Tarrant County leaders are increasingly focusing on rail to meet the transportation needs of a population that continues to grow.
“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,” Mayor Mattie 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.”
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, the Republican Parker announced in May that Fort Worth created a committee to examine how to bring fixed rail to Cowtown.
Parker has stated that the committee will work with Trinity Metro to assess what is the best approach to urban rail since TEXRail is being planned for further expansion in the NearSouthside area of Fort Worth, reported Fort Worth Report.
“It’s been a catalyst for economic development,” she said. “We’ve slowed traffic and added a bike lane, and we’ve seen all types of new growth and housing develop in that area.”
Arlington has also shown support for the high-speed rail service in the city as it has major theme parks such as Six Flags Over Texas, AT&T Stadium, Globe Life Field, and an array of restaurants.
“You know, any time you have the ability to connect with other major metropolitan areas outside of your city, that has the ability to quickly and rapidly transfer employees to and from their job sites, it’s going to be a job generator,” Arlington Mayor Jim Ross said in a May interview, reported, Fort Worth Report.
Despite the push for more transit needs such as high-speed rail, some have criticized the idea.
“If the ‘economic feasibility’ study involves anything other than a 30 minute review of all the high speed rail boondoggles across the country, and maybe a screening of ‘Marge vs the Monorail,’ it’s a waste of time and money,” former Texas GOP Chair Matt Rinaldi previously posted on X.