(FORT WORTH, TEXAS) Jan. 10, 2024 – Trinity Metro TEXRail, which experienced record ridership levels in 2023, will celebrate five years of service on Wednesday, Jan. 10. After reaching a total of 2 million riders since TEXRail began in 2019, ridership continued to grow throughout the year.
Ridership highlights
- Nearly 2.5 million riders since service began (through December 2023)
- Nov. 20 was the highest single day of ridership with 6,625.
- Two of the highest monthly ridership numbers occurred in late 2023: 83,071 rides in November (67% increase over November 2022) and 82,492 in December (34% increase over December 2022).
- Every month in Fiscal Year 2023 (October 2002-September 2023) had higher ridership than the same months the previous year.
“Our ridership growth shows how much TEXRail means to the community and to visitors,” said Reed Lanham, vice president of rail. “TEXRail is a safe and reliable service with an outstanding on-time performance. Customers can rely on us for a consistently positive experience.”
Fun facts
- 2,941,522 total miles traveled on TEXRail
- 17,250 maintenance inspections
- 1,792 seats (224 per train)
- 688 windows (86 per train)
- 41 railroading crossings
- 23 bridges
- 9 stations
- 8 trains
Economic impact
Along with providing a great option for traveling between Fort Worth and DFW Airport, TEXRail has had a tremendous economic impact on the communities it serves. By North Richland Hills/Iron Horse Station and North Richland Hills/Smithfield Station, $137 million in transit-oriented development occurred, including residential and commercial developments.
Tito Rodriguez, North Richland Hills council member and Trinity Metro vice chairman, said the train has brought economic growth and accessible public transportation to the city. “Our residents love having the option of riding TEXRail to Fort Worth or Grapevine for day trips – or riding to the airport to catch a flight,” he said. “Long before the commuter rail line opened, North Richland Hills was planning for all of the residential needs for people who want to live near the train station.”
In Grapevine, $105 million in transit-oriented development included Hotel Vin, Harvest Hall and a public parking garage. Grapevine has seen increases in hotel occupancy, beverage and retail sales taxes since TEXRail opened. Sales tax revenue has grown nearly 40% for businesses located within a 5-minute walk to TEXRail’s Grapevine/Main Street Station. Sales tax revenue is up more than 30% within a 10-minute walk.
“The impact of TEXRail is undeniable,” said Paul Slechta, Grapevine council member and Trinity Metro board member. “The collaboration between Grapevine and Trinity Metro yields significant ridership every time the city has an event. TEXRail is the perfect transit option for festival-goers to relax and no have to worry about parking.”
Lanham added, “Integrating public transportation into communities yields positive results in so many ways. I’m proud of the impact that TEXRail has had, and I look forward to many years of continued growth to benefits the families and residents of Fort Worth, North Richland Hills, Grapevine and all of Tarrant County.”
Celebrating TEXRail’s anniversary
TEXRail will offer free rides throughout the service day on Wednesday, Jan. 10, to celebrate its fifth anniversary. Plus, customers have the opportunity to participate in the “Name That Train!” contest, where winners will receive a free 31-day local ticket for Trinity Metro services. Spike, the TEXRail train named in 2019 during the 150th anniversary of the Golden Spike, is one of eight trains, but the only one with a name. Customers and the general public are invited to submit great name ideas so each train can have its own identity. The submission deadline is 5 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 31.
About TEXRail
The 27-mile commuter rail line, which opened in 2019, provides convenient service between Fort Worth and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport’s Terminal B. The route has nine stations in Fort Worth, North Richland Hills and Grapevine.
Regular TEXRail fares are $2.50 each way or $5 for a local ticket, which includes the train, buses, ZIPZONE on-demand rideshare services and the west zone of Trinity Railway Express.
Trinity Metro’s 
Two former Trinity Metro leaders were inducted into the American Public Transportation Association Hall of Fame during this week’s APTA EXPO in Orlando. Congratulations to Paul J Ballard and John P. Bartosiewicz for being honored among the best leaders in the North American transit industry. Their fall induction coincides with another celebration: Trinity Metro’s 40th anniversary of serving the community.
inity Railway Express.