Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker has revealed the formation of a group to research the possibility of introducing a permanent rail system to the city.
Together with Trinity Metro, the mayor’s Urban Rail Committee Supporting Economic Development & Tourism will investigate the potential for creating a fixed rail system to transport people within Fort Worth's entertainment districts, reported the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
“We know that Fort Worth remains one of the fastest-growing cities in America, and current trends show that in 2100, the Fort Worth-Dallas Metro region will be the largest metro area in the country,” Parker said in a statement, per the Star-Telegram. “With that growth comes immense challenges and opportunities. I believe right now that we are well-poised for the opportunity to explore urban rail opportunities, particularly in supporting our growing economic development and tourism industries.”
Currently, only 5% of Fort Worth residents use trains of any kind for transportation.
The committee will start meeting this summer and continue to gather throughout the rest of the year, reported KERA News. The City of Fort Worth and Trinity Metro will be splitting the costs for consultants who will assist the committee with its work.
“We are glad to continue our collaborative work on this effort with [the] City of Fort Worth, this time with a focus on exploring solutions that support the dynamic economic development and tourism needs of a rapidly growing Tarrant County,” Trinity Metro CEO Rich Andreski said in a statement, per KERA News.
The Dallas Express reached out to Parker’s office for comment but did not receive a response by the time of publication.
