Fort Worth – The Trinity Metro board of directors voted on Monday to adopt a $204.5 million budget for fiscal year 2027, a reduction of $17.8 million from the 2026 plan. The agency said the cuts reflect a cautious approach amid lingering economic uncertainty and the possible loss of federal funding once current legislation expires.
Key savings and program adjustments
Across the agency, spending was trimmed in most departments. The on‑demand micro‑transit program that serves the Southside will see its budget cut from $2.2 million in 2026 to $1.4 million for 2027, as Trinity Metro evaluates a redesign of the service. Eva Williams, director of budgets and grants, described the revisions as “small adjustments to get us closer in balance,” noting that the agency expects only a “very small margin” between revenue and expenditures.
Rail improvements move ahead
Despite the tighter budget, Trinity Metro is pressing forward with two major rail projects. A $3.3 million double‑track upgrade to the Trinity Railway Express (TRE) will improve service between Fort Worth and Dallas. In addition, a 2.1‑mile extension of TEXRail will reach the Near Southside/Medical District, with a groundbreaking ceremony scheduled for Oct. 29 at the new station on Mistletoe Boulevard, adjacent to Baylor Scott & White All Saints Medical Center.
Revenue outlook
The agency projects $204.9 million in total revenue for FY27, anchored by $147.8 million in sales‑tax allocations. Operating grants are expected to total $42.6 million, leaving a modest net income of $398,578. Trinity Metro receives a 0.5 % share of the local 8.25 % sales tax, which remains its primary revenue source.
Federal funding context
Anette Landeros, Trinity Metro’s chief strategy officer, highlighted that President Donald Trump recently signed a continuing resolution extending federal highway funding through Dec. 11, 2026. “There is no immediate funding crisis,” Landeros said, emphasizing that existing federal programs under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act remain in place until Sept. 30, 2026.
Congress is also moving the BUILD America 250 Act, a five‑year, $103 billion reauthorization that would continue to fund transportation infrastructure, including roads, bridges, transit agencies, and rail safety programs. North Central Texas Council of Governments communications manager Rebekah Gongora reported that the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee approved the bill in May, and it now awaits action from the Senate Ways and Means Committee.
Looking ahead
Landeros called the progress on the BUILD America 250 Act a “good first step” toward stabilizing federal transportation funding, even as a projected 14 % decrease in overall spending looms. Trinity Metro’s leadership says the agency will continue to monitor the funding landscape closely while maintaining essential services for riders across the region.
For more information, contact senior business reporter Eric E. Garcia at [email protected].
Original reporting: Fort Worth Report — read the source article.
