Fort Worth residents will soon see a fleet of pink buses cruising along Hemphill Street as Trinity Metro rolls out its newest color‑coded route, La Línea Rosa. The service, a rebranding of Route 1, is scheduled to begin operating on the morning of September 16, with an official unveiling ceremony set for 10 a.m. on September 15 at La Gran Plaza de Fort Worth.
What the new line offers
La Línea Rosa will run between Fort Worth Central Station and the La Gran Plaza shopping district, traveling along the busy 4200 South Freeway corridor. The route will continue to use its existing schedule and stops, but riders will board from bus bay A at the downtown station, located at 1001 Jones St. The pink‑painted buses feature exterior graphics that celebrate the Hispanic heritage of the Near Southside district and the vibrant Hemphill corridor.
Community impact
Trinity Metro President and CEO Rich Andreski said the new line is designed to increase visibility for local businesses, neighborhoods, institutions and destinations that make downtown Fort Worth, Near Southside, Hemphill and La Gran Plaza vital parts of the city. “We don’t simply serve this community; we are part of it, and we want to help it thrive,” he explained.
Board Chair Jeff Davis added that the line simplifies the rider experience, likening it to “another ‘brick in the wall’” – a nod to the famous Pink Floyd lyric. He emphasized that reliable, easy‑to‑understand transit options can be transformative for daily commuters and occasional riders alike.
Color‑coded routes continue
La Línea Rosa is the third color‑coded bus rebranding Trinity Metro has introduced since 2024. The earlier Orange Line connects downtown to the historic Fort Worth Stockyards, while the free Blue Line, funded by Visit Fort Worth and Downtown Fort Worth Inc., circulates through the city core. Officials have also discussed adding a Green Line that would serve a west‑side route to the Fort Worth Zoo.
Timing with larger events
The launch coincides with the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce national conference, taking place in Fort Worth from September 14‑16, as well as the start of Hispanic Heritage Month across the country. The timing underscores Trinity Metro’s commitment to honoring the cultural contributions of the city’s Latino community.
Transfer options at La Gran Plaza
La Gran Plaza Transfer Station, situated outside the mall facing Seminary Drive, offers connections to four other bus lines – routes 25, 29, 33 and 72. Andreski noted that the plaza is the second‑busiest transit destination in Fort Worth, making it a strategic hub for the new pink line.
Looking ahead
City leaders and transit advocates see the color‑coded approach as a way to make the system more user‑friendly, especially for new riders and tourists. By assigning distinct colors and themes to each line, Trinity Metro hopes to reduce confusion and encourage greater use of public transportation, which aligns with broader goals of reducing traffic congestion and supporting local commerce.
Residents can expect the pink buses to begin regular service on September 16, with the inaugural ceremony on September 15 providing an opportunity for community members to see the new vehicles up close and learn more about the route’s benefits.
Original reporting: Fort Worth Report — read the source article.
