All about the community of model railroading and rail enthusiasm throughout the Southwest and Midwest

  • 0
  • 1

Cowcatcher Magazine

  • Home
  • News
    • Top News
    • Class 1 Railroads
    • Short Line Railroads
    • Light Rail / Commuter
    • Model Railroading
    • Railroad in Focus
    • Up Close
    • Heritage
  • About
  • Subscribe
    • Info & Updates
    • Subscribe or Renew with Paypal
    • Subscribe or Renew with Credit Card
    • Back Issues
    • Retrospectives
  • Contact Us
  • Available At

A-train officials hope recent ridership spike is preview of what’s to come along I-35

March 2nd, 2013

Ridership on Denton County Transportation Authority’s A-train spiked significantly from October to December 2012, giving transit agency officials hope that good things are to come when widening of the I-35 corridor through Denton, TX, begins later this year. – Tim Blackwell/Cowcatcher Magazine

Denton Country Transportation Authority officials hope that increased ridership on the A-train that resulted in 3 percent growth for the agency October-December 2012 is a preview of what will come when construction starts later this year to widen I35 between Dallas and the Red River. According to a fiscal-year, first-quarter report released in February, ridership on the A-train improved 42 percent during the same period compared to the previous fiscal year.

Also, ridership maintained its upward climb in January, with the A-train carrying 43 percent more than in January 2012.

DCTA officials attribute the growth to recent service changes. In August, the agency added midday rail service closing the 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. gap in the schedule, as well as expanding Friday night and Saturday service. In January, a weekday evening southbound departure was added to the schedule to better serve university evening classes and later work schedules.

“Our recent changes were in direct response to customer feedback,” DCTA President Jim Cline said. “Clearly, our customers have responded positively to these changes. As we plan for the next stages of service improvements, we are excited about what the future holds.”

In late February, DCTA staff presented proposed updates to the agency’s five-year operating and capital plan while addressing upcoming widening of I35  to as many as eight lanes from Cooke County to Dallas County. In addition to addressing capital needs and maintenance of the system, the plan focuses on improving the passenger experience with improved amenities and expanded bus and rail services.

Cline says the A-train is in perfect position to offer commuters an alternative when dirt starts flying and until normal traffic resumes on the highway.

“We see the planned expansion of I35 as an opportunity to grow ridership by providing an alternative,” Cline said. “Our next series of improvements will position us to attract and retain the new users.”

While Cline hesitates to project the specific impact of the I-35E project, he feels confident that DCTA can meet commuter rail needs at current scheduling and equipment levels. Trains are made up of two Stadler GTW 2/6 Diesel Multiple Units that have a combined passenger capacity of 400 riders. DCTA operates four of the sets with a fifth as a “hot standby” that could be used if ridership demand exceeds two-car sets.

Stellar performance of the Swiss-built articulated cars have given DCTA officials a high level of operational comfort since the DMUs were placed in service last fall. With the exception of some block detection issues that have been corrected, the cars have operated seamless for the most part and are a hit with riders.

“Passengers love them,” Cline said. “The cars are operating well. Every system has issues, but we seem to be working through those in good step. We’re quite happy.”

 

 

 

 

  • Light Rail / Commuter

Add Your Comment

Cancel reply
  • March/April 2021

  • Order Today!

    PURCHASE THE CURRENT ISSUE TODAY!

    JUST $5.95, includes shipping (U.S. only)!

     

    Allow 3-5 business days for delivery upon placement of order.

     

    ** Email us for international shipping rates**

     

  • Pressing Ahead

    The Cowtown Model Railroad Club has evolved from the former Lockheed Martin Recreation Association Railroad Activity, once Dallas/Fort Worth’s premier model railroad club. A handful of members have carried on the HO Gulf & Denver Railroad Authority, which is back in operation and sporting a new mission.

     

  • Time now for passenger rail

    Tracks are aligning for a bright future in public transportation and travel by rail with the onset of a new administration on Capitol Hill.  Funding opportunities await for returning Amtrak daily long-distance service and improving transit rail infrastructure. The key will be keeping several bills on course.

     

     

     

  • PLUS…

    The Cowcatcher’s N-scale Whitehurst & Pine Ridge Railroad found a way to visually block the main line from Dallas to Kansas City when it comes a little too close for comfort.

     

     – Cowcatcher Magazine                                        
     

    BNSF Railway Co. (BNSF) and Wabtec’s exploration of the future of battery-electric locomotives crossed another milestone in early January with testing in revenue service between Barstow and Stockton, CA…

    …

     

    Pat Hiatte resumes his virtual travel along the nation’s rail network when passenger rail was king. He rides the Colorado Eagle from Denver to St. Louis…

     

    LGB is producing an F7A-B locomotive set in Amtrak’s original paint to celebrate the passenger line’s 50th anniversary in 2021.

     

     

    THESE STORIES AND MORE, PLUS A FULL CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS!

     

  • Product News & Review

    Rapido HO Flexi-Flo Hoppers

     

     

    Last fall, Rapido Trains released its first HO-scale replica of the ACF PD3500 Flexi-Flo covered hopper in each variation produced by American Car & Foundry. Models feature a wealth of detail.

     

    More product reviews!

     

    See product news!

     

  • Don’t Miss an Issue

    Click here to subscribe to Cowcatcher Magazine, the model railroad magazine and rail enthusiast magazine all about the community of model railroading and rail enthusiasm, today!
  • Back Issues

    Be sure to check out our Back Issues page for any issues you may have missed. We have expanded descriptions for issues published beginning in 2007. Click here to order.

     

    Order the January/February 2021 issue today!

     

  • Article & Photo Submissions

    We encourage readers to submit articles and photos. For details, visit our guide here .

  • Railroad in Focus

    Cowcatcher Magazine routinely features short lines and regional railroads that roam the Midwest and Southwest. Features include color photographs and maps, but an overview of operations and latest business trends.

     



    Like us on Facebook!  
  • The New Whitehurst & Pine Ridge Railroad




    Visit the new N-scale Whitehurst & Pine Ridge Railroad, the official model railroad of the Cowcatcher Magazine, and track progress. All aboard!
  • HMA Promotional Video

    https://youtu.be/bxrwl13N1Rc

© 2020 Cowcatcher Magazine | No content from this site may be copied or re-used without permission | 2021 Cowcatcher Magazine. Site powered by Childress Media