As North Texas prepares to host soccer fans from around the globe for the FIFA World Cup, local transit agencies DART and Trinity Metro are finalizing their plans to accommodate the influx of visitors. These agencies have spent years preparing to ensure smooth transportation for fans traveling between airports, downtown areas, and match venues.
Transit Preparations
Trinity Metro recently held a rally in Fort Worth to highlight their readiness for the 39-day tournament. The agency has developed strategies to efficiently transport visitors from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport to downtown Fort Worth and Arlington, where many events will take place.
Rich Andreski, President and CEO of Trinity Metro, expressed enthusiasm about welcoming international visitors and showcasing Fort Worth’s hospitality. He stated, “It’s to show the world what Fort Worth is about, that this is a place you can come and be welcomed and maybe come back to visit again.”
Enhanced Services
DART is also preparing for the increased demand. DART Police Chief Charles Cato emphasized the importance of collaboration during this period, noting that more police officers will be visible on trains to ensure safety. Additionally, ambassadors wearing soccer jerseys will be stationed at key rail stations to assist visitors with navigation.
The agency plans to operate rail services every 20 minutes, seven days a week, with the flexibility to adjust the frequency to every 10 minutes if needed. DART spokesperson Trenise Winters mentioned the possibility of deploying up to 125 additional buses to meet demand.
Community Impact
The World Cup presents an opportunity for North Texas to leave a lasting impression on international visitors. It also provides a chance for local residents to engage with global soccer culture. Cato humorously remarked on his personal journey with the sport, saying, “A master’s degree in soccer this summer.”
Overall, the preparations by DART and Trinity Metro aim to ensure that North Texas is ready to welcome the world and provide a seamless transit experience for all visitors.
Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
