Fort Worth — Budget Includes Streetcars

Rail Transit Online, August 2003

The Fort Worth Transportation Authority has proposed a balanced $41-million budget for 2004, including $300,000 to continue planning and development of a proposed 7.6-mi. (12.2 km), $165-million downtown streetcar project.  However, to avoid a deficit, the agency will reduce Trinity Railway Express commuter rail service by five percent, primarily by dropping all weekday trains after 7:30 p.m. except when a special event is scheduled.  Bus runs will reduced by 10 percent and equipment purchases, including new buses, will be trimmed or delayed.  The streetcar line, part of a long-range transportation plan that includes a commuter rail route from downtown to the Hulen area, would be the first phase of a comprehensive system.  The initial segment would link the museums area west of downtown with the medical district and Texas Wesleyan University.  The proposal would still have to go before voters, tentatively in November 2004 when a $52-million bond issue to finance a portion of the local share would be placed on the ballot.