The A-train Magazine by Denton Media Company

JULY 2012

A-TRAIN MIDDAY SERVICE BEGINS AUGUST 20TH

Denton Record-Chronicle • www.dentonrc.com

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Denton County Transportation Authority INSIDE A PUBLICATION OF THE DENTON RECORD-CHRONICLE A message from the DCTA presdientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s desk Looking back and moving forward . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 8 Sleek Stadler A safe, new ride . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 9 Look. Listen. Live Area youngstersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; artwork depicts safety message as part of DCTA mission to educate about the need for safety around the train and crossings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pages 14, 18, 29, 33 Try Parking It DCTA offers park and ride options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 16 Safety a key issue Tips to remember when near the train . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 27 Customer Service Smart phones play vital role . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 31 Breathing Easier NCTCOG works to educate about ozone days . . . . . . . Page 35

CREDITS

Editor: Dawn Cobb Advertising Director: Sandra Hammond Retail Advertising Manager: Shawn Reneau Writers/photographers: Tim Blackwell with Ballpark Impressions, LLC; North Central Texas Council of Governments; Denton County Transportation Authority

A-train

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A-train

Denton County Transportation Authority

The A-train: Looking Back and Moving Forward

his is the third issue of the A-train magazine, a publication of the Denton Record Chronicle in partnership with DCTA. The first issue was published just over a year ago as the A-train was launching service. A lot of exciting things have happened since that time, a lot of which is addressed throughout this issue. In looking back over the last year, DCTA is proud of our accomplishments. We launched rail service, adopted a new Service Plan, made schedule improvements, integrated the new rail vehicles, increased bus ridership and received the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first Alternative Vehicle Technology waiver from the Federal Railroad Administration. Our staff and services continue to receive high marks from our customers. And whether your trips are for work, school or fun, more and more of you are trying transit.

While we are proud of the past year, we look forward to our bright future. We are excited about the new schedule which will be implemented on August 20th. Mid-day rail service was identified as the top priority by our passengers and by those wanting to try our services. Midday rail service will provide greater flexibility and improved travel options, especially with the looming I-35E expansion. Additionally, we have made some tweaks to improve our expanded rail services on Friday and Saturday nights to better serve regional events. With these changes, our passengers can use transit to attend an event at American Airlines Center in Dallas or one of the great local venues in Denton and Lewisville. Our August schedule changes also focus on improving transit connections between the A-train, our bus services and DART services.

Our August 2012 changes largely focused on the A-train. DCTA staff is currently working on additional bus services including improved frequencies and expanded service areas that we hope to implement in January 2013. We recognize that providing first and last mile transit connections via bus are a critical component to growing ridership on the A-train. We have heard from local employers and passengers that more bus services are warranted and we look forward to addressing those needs over the next 12 months. As mentioned above, the DCTA Board of Directors adopted a new Service Plan. This plan provides a road map for future transit investments in Denton County and outlines some promising opportunities to expand transit into other areas over the next 25 years assuming additional financial

partners. Future corridors include an extension to the Cotton Belt, connections between Denton and Fort Worth, and rail service between Frisco and Carrollton. The Service Plan also identifies some short term improvements for DCTAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s existing systems. Some of these improvements we are immediately addressing in August or plan to address in January. Others will be considered after additional planning review and community input. Our past accomplishments and our bright future are due to the support of the communities we serve and their commitment to quality transportation alternatives. You are an important part of our success. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s continue to work together to build a safe and efficient transit network. Thanks for riding. James C. Cline, Jr. DCTA President

A-train

Denton County Transportation Authority

Sleek Stadler a safe, new ride D

enton County Tr a n s p o r t a t i o n Authority President Jim Cline says the difference between the crash worthiness of the A-train’s sleek Stadler GTW 2/6 Diesel Multiple Units and their replacement Rail Diesel Cars is like comparing a stylish modern-day luxury sedan to its steel-encased 1960s counterpart. Those big, heavy Cadillacs that seemingly required a city block to park protect the driver and passengers by absorbing

impact based on brute strength unlike today’s crash energy management systems that are designed to distribute structural crush through the length of the vehicle and safely isolate occupants. The Stadler’s are the only commuter passenger rail cars in the U.S. deemed safe enough to operate in freight corridors because of their crash energy management technology. In June, the Federal Railroad See STADLER on Page 11

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A-train

Denton County Transportation Authority From Page 9

Stadler Administration issued DCTA an Alternate Vehicle Technology crashworthiness waiver to begin operations concurrent with traditional, federally compliant equipment. The cars are touted to be some of the safest in commuter rail operation in the world. “To operate on a freight line, the train would have to take very strong loading on the ends, and it forces you to have a lot of structural members on the vehicle,” Cline said. “It’s better to compare an FRA-compliant car to a ‘68 Cadillac, which uses brute strength on how it maintains safety in the passenger compartment. “(The GTWs) meet a much higher level, and

it’s a higher level of safety for our passengers.” Integration of the sleek green and white cars into the DCTA system will be well under way and possibly complete when new mid-day service and other schedule changes takes effect Aug. 20. Articulated cars that run in pairs have a three-phase protection system at the ends to absorb impact in a collision. The system enables the cab component to stay stationary while the underside and sides take much of the brunt, a Stadler spokesman said. The coupler, which links cars, See STADLER on Page 13

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A-train

Denton County Transportation Authority From Page 11

Stadler absorbs initial shock and compresses underneath the driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cab. Buffers on each side of the front end have anti-climber crush absorbers that fold systematically to absorb additional impact. Also, the two-end carriages of the GTW 2/6 are made of extruded aluminum sections that help to isolate impact. DCTA officials looked at stacks of detailed analysis on the crash worthiness of the vehicles before placing the order for 11 DMUs from Swiss builder Stadler Bussnang AG. And while no rail car is entirely crash-proof, Cline said an accident in the Nederlands where

few were injured in an at-grade crossing incident helped sell DCTA. A GTW and a semi-truck loaded with concrete blocks collided and the driver escaped with a broken leg and only seven passengers received minor injuries, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Not only did it prove out the testing, it proved out the real deal that it worked, so weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re real pleased with that,â&#x20AC;? Cline said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;So we have a high level of confidence.â&#x20AC;? The RDC cars, which DCTA has leased from Dallas Area Rapid Transit since the A-trainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s launch last year, use 1950s technology that leaves little protection for the driver and passengers at the front of the cab. The new cars are much more environmentally friendly than

See STADLER on Page 15

De nt

Friday evening schedule. On August 20th, mid-day service will be implemented with 2-3 northbound/southbound trips and modifications to the Denton and Lewisville schedules. Connect bus schedules will be made to better align key routes with the A-train. The fare boundary to Trinity Mills will also be moved so that riders getting off there would not need to purchase a regional pass unless they are transferring to the DART system. Until the change, no rail service had been provided from 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday but input after a series of public meetings and community surveys suggested that mid-day rail service was a

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RDCs, which were built at a time before Environmental Protection Agency regulations came into play for powered passenger rail cars and freight locomotives. GTWs comply with Tier 3 emissions. Also, GTWs offer more room with capacity at 200 passengers (104 seated, 96 standing) compared to 136 (96 seated, 40 standing) with the RDCs. After phasing out the RDCs and returning them to DART, DCTA hopes that the additional capacity will be tested when service changes go into effect resulting from the boardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s approval in May of Mondaythrough-Friday mid-day rail service. Changes also include starting Saturday service earlier and running it later into the night, as well as modifying the

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Denton County Transportation Authority

Look. Listen. Live.

Youngsters entered a contest on train safety. These are a few of the many submitted entries. Winners are named on a special page inside this magazine. Thanks to everyone who took their time and talents to demonstrate the importance of safety around trains and train crossings.

Pictures are from, clockwise from left: Pearl Herrera, Addy Ozuna, Abigail Graham (top left), Anna Vodden (top right) and Allie Buchanan Landry Billingsley (above).

A-train

Denton County Transportation Authority From Page 13

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Are these regional cars? A lot of people are very interested in these. They provide a lot of options, and there are a lot of different things we can do.â&#x20AC;?

Stadler top priority among Denton County riders. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our challenge has been determining the best investment of funds to increase the overall utilization of the system,â&#x20AC;? Cline said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The core of our challenge is to meet the needs of riders in a fiscally responsible way.â&#x20AC;? In August, Friday and Saturday service will run into early Sunday morning with Saturday service starting earlier than the current schedule to better serve regional events. The first Saturday train will depart northbound at 9:40 a.m. and the last southbound train to Trinity Mills leaves Denton at

â&#x20AC;&#x201D; James C. Cline, Jr., president Denton County Transportation Authority

11:30 p.m. For passengers wanting to travel into Dallas, the first southbound train will depart at 10:15 a.m. and the last northbound train from Trinity Mills will depart at 12:37 a.m. One northbound train was discontinued with the schedule change. The extended service as well as DCTAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ability to traverse

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freight rail corridors with the GTWs positions the agency to continue its quest to meet changing needs in North Texas regional public transportation, Cline said. Currently, 40 percent of the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s population isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t served by transit lines, and that ratio could increase to 50 percent as growth sprawls farther from

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urban centers in the next 20 years. Planning beyond current transportation needs not only at DCTA but at Dallas Area Rapid Transit and Trinity Railway Express is essential now, Cline said. While the 21-mile network from downtown Denton to Carrollton isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t at capacity yet, DCTA has its eye on additional corridors. Two are under consideration, including one along I-35W and another on BNSFâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s freight network to Frisco. Discussions with BNSF wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be possible if DCTA didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have the GTWs. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Are these the regional cars?â&#x20AC;? Cline said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A lot of people are very interested in these. They provide a lot of options, and there are a lot of different things we can do.â&#x20AC;?

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A-train

Denton County Transportation Authority

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Skilled Services Medical

Personal Care

• Help with diabetic testing and monitoring • Blood draws (deliver to lab) • Medication set-up • Teaching and assistance for chronic diseases • Wound care/dressing change • Catheter care • Physical, occupational and speech therapy

• Assist in dressing/grooming • Incontinence care • Toileting • Transferring and positioning • Help with TED hose • Assistance with bathing • Assistance with range-of-motion exercises

Companship

n Texas, there are five seasons: Winter, spring, summer, fall – and Ozone Season. Ozone Season is a season within a season, those summertime months when dangerous air pollution levels created by vehicle emissions and other pollutants leave a distant brown haze on the horizon. Last summer was one of the worst in North Texas with 32 air pollution warnings. And the count already is on for 2012 with three posted through early June. Denton County residents can take a bite out of Ozone Season by utilizing the A-train’s park

and ride options along the Denton County Transportation Authority’s 21-mile rail network from Denton to Carrollton as well as commuter vanpool services. Air quality concerns in North Texas have been a hot topic in recent years, especially as summers have gotten warmer and traffic more congested. Dallas/Fort Worth is the fourth largest metropolitan region in the nation with almost 6.5 million residents. Rapid population growth in the past decade has led to increasing

See PARKING on Page 23

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Household • Clean bathrooms • Make bed/change linens • Empty trash • Help with houseplants • Organize closets or other spaces • Clean oven, stove and/or refrigerator • Help with pets (feed, walk, vet) • Take clothes to dry cleaning or laundromat • Clean/organize kitchen cabinets • Dust ceiling fans, light fixtures • Dust/polish furniture • Iron clothes • Wash clothes and linens • Prepare meals/bake cookies • Monitor diet and eating habits • Clip coupons for shopping • Shop for groceries • Wash dishes • Sweep, mop, vacuum floors • Spring cleaning

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A-train

Denton County Transportation Authority

Look. Listen. Live.

Pictures are from, clockwise from left: Elijah Padia, Celina Tellez. Alenjandro Anas-Dias (top left), Helen Peattie (top right) and Jeremiah Berna (above).

A-train

DCTA and the Denton Record-Chronicle present the

Rail Safety Student Poster Contest Winners

Rev Rozell, 6 Years Old

Nick Cedillo, 10 Years Old

Rhea P Rh Pookulangara, ook k langara 6 Years Years Old Old

Luke Reib, 10 Years Old

C h Th dff d 8 Years Y Old Cheyenne Thedford, Old

Alyssa Adkison, 11 Years Old

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A-train

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STATION

35W

5:39 6:01 6:23 6:45 8:11 9:51 12:52

5:34 5:56 6:18 6:40 8:06 9:46 12:47

Monday - Friday

lunes - viernes

4:52 5:14 5:36 5:58 6:20 6:42 7:04 7:26 7:48 8:32 9:22 10:58 12:38 2:38 3:10 3:32 3:54

sábado

q q q q q q q

11:06 1:30 3:06 5:26 7:06 9:06 11:06 12:37 11:11 1:35 3:11 5:31 7:11 9:11 11:11 12:42

— —

407

Swisher

35E

380

College

To Downtown Dallas

Denton CoUntY DALLAS CoUntY

720

35E

Legacy Dr.

617 East Main St., Lewisville

FM 1171

Church St.

Walters St.

College St.

- Served by Connect Route 23

952 Lakeside Circle, Lewisville

Lakeside Cir.

He br

- Served by Connect Route 21

Pkw

North Texas Hospital

5 Hebron Station

4 Old Town Station

Blvd

Dr .

Quail Creek

3220 MedPark Drive, Denton

ain

Prairie St.

Sycamore St.

ark

Denton Regional Medical Center

ora

Col

35E

oa a dw t.

2525 Blanton Drive, Carrollton

161

190

Trinity Mills Rd.

MacArthur Dr.

- Served by A-train & DART Green Line

6 TriniTy MillS STaTiOn

2998 N. Stemmons Frwy., Lewisville

Bogard Ln.

Pinehurst

d. e Blv Ridg n e d Gar

35E

- Served by Connect RSVP

3 HigHlanD Village/ lewiSVille lake STaTiOn

10:50 12:50 2:50 4:30 6:57 8:27 10:57 12:26

10:47 12:47 2:47 4:27 6:57 8:24 10:52 12:25

10:42 12:42 2:42 4:22 6:48 8:19 10:47 12:20

10:37 12:37 2:37 4:17 6:38 8:14 10:42 12:15 1:52

10:31 12:31 2:31 4:11 6:32 8:08 10:36 12:09 1:46

10:20 12:20 2:20 4:00 6:21 7:57 10:25 11:58 1:35

10:15 12:15 2:15 3:55 6:16 7:52 10:20 11:53 1:30

- Served by Connect Route 2

2 MedPark Station

q q q q q q q

604 East Hickory St., Denton

estaciones

DDTC MedPark Denton HV/LL Old Town Hebron Trinity Mills Green Line Departs

STATION

sábado

READ 5973 5975 5977 5979 5981 5983 5985 5987 5389 DOWN AM PM PM PM PM PM PM PM/AM AM

Saturday

Southbound to Carrollton Sur a Carrolton

Blanton

Potential Ad space 10.25” x 1.5”

Hebron

lewisVille

Mulberry St.

Hickory St.

Oak St.

City Hall

Routes and A-train

(DDTC) - Served by all Denton Connect

1 Downtown Denton Transit Center

12:29

8:30

121

Round Grove Rd.

Justin Rd.

HigHlanD Village

2181

McKinney

Denton

121

10:02 11:38 2:02 3:38 5:58 7:38 9:38 11:38 1:09

9:57 11:33 1:57 3:33 5:53 7:33 9:33 11:33 1:04

9:46 11:22 1:46 3:22 5:42 7:22 9:22 11:22 12:53

9:40 11:16 1: 40 3:16 5:36 7:16 9:16 11:16 12:47

11:04 1:24 3:04 5:24 7:04 9:04 11:04 12: 34

—

READ 5372 5974 5976 5978 5980 5982 5984 5986 5988 DOWN AM AM PM PM PM PM PM PM AM

Saturday

7:50

7:34

12:27 --

5:43 5:58 6:28 6:43 7:14 7:28 7:58 8:15 8:30 9:30 10:10 11:50 1:50 3:41 3:56 4:26 4:41 5:11 5:30 5:40 6:10 6:30 6:50

9:30

5:36 5:57 6:20 6:42 7:04 7:26 7:48 8:10 8:30 9:22 10:06 11:47 1:47 3:32 3:54 4:16 4:38 5:00 5:22 5:44 6:06 6:28 6:50

12:17 1:52 12:22

9:10 9:15 8:14 9:20

8:04 8:09

5:31 5:52 6:15 6:37 6:59 7:21 7:43 8:05 8:25 9:17 10:01 11:42 1:42 3:27 3:49 4:11 4:33 4:55 5:17 5:39 6:01 6:23 6:45

7:29

5:26 5:47 6:10 6:32 6:54 7:16 7:38 8:00 8:20 9:12 9:56 11:37 1:37 3:22 3:44 4:06 4:28 4:50 5:12 5:34 5:56 6:18 6:40 7:02 7:24

12:11 1:46

9:04

12:00 1:35

5:20 5:41 6:04 6:26 6:48 7:10 7:32 7:54 8:14 9:06 9:50 11:31 1:31 3:16 3:38 4:00 4:22 4:44 5:06 5:28 5:50 6:12 6:34 6:56 7:18

8:53

7:47 7:58

5:09 5:30 5:53 6:15 6:37 6:59 7:21 7:43 8:03 8:55 9:39 11:20 1:20 3:05 3:27 3:49 4:11 4:33 4:55 5:17 5:39 6:01 6:23 6:45 7:07

11:55 1:30

5353 PM 8:48

5955 5357 PM/AM AM

Viernes par la noche

Friday Night

4:16 4:38 5:00 5:22 5:44 6:06 6:28 6:50 7:12 8:38 10:18 1:19

Pt.

1171

377

3:49 4:11 4:33 4:55 5:17

3:44 4:06 4:28 4:50 5:12

3:44 4:04 4:24 4:44 4:59 5:29 5:44 6:14 6:29 8:04 9:44 12:44

5351 PM 5:04 5:25 5:48 6:10 6:32 6:54 7:16 7:38 7:58 8:50 9:34 11:15 1:15 3:00 3:22 3:44 4:06 4:28 4:50 5:12 5:34 5:56 6:18 6:40 7:02 7:42

Informaciòn sobre A-train

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4:47 5:09 5:31 5:53 6:15 6:37 6:59 7:21 7:43 8:27 9:17 10:53 12:33 2:33 3:05 3:27 3:49 4:11 4:33 4:55 5:17 5:39 6:01 6:23 6:45 7:07 8:33 10:13 1:14

A-TRAIN SYSTEM MAP

Green Line Arrives Trinity Mills Hebron Old Town HV/LL MedPark DDTC

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4:36 4:58 5:20 5:42 6:04 6:26 6:48 7:10 7:32 8:16 9:06 10:42 12:22 2:22 2:54 3:16 3:38 4:00 4:22 4:44 5:06 5:28 5:50 6:12 6:34 6:56 8:22 10:02 1:03

Northbound to Denton Norte a Denton estaciones

---

5:53 6:15 6:37 6:59 7:21 8:05 8:55 10:31 12:11 2:11 ---

5:48 6:10 6:32 6:54 7:16 8:00 8:50 10:26 12:06 2:06

5:40 5:55 6:18 6:43 7:03 7:48 8:48 10:24 12:04 2:04

READ 5901 5903 5905 5907 5909 5911 5913 5915 5917 5919 5921 5923 5925 5927 5929 5931 5933 5935 5937 5939 5941 5943 5945 5347 5949 DOWN AM AM AM AM AM AM AM AM AM AM AM AM PM PM PM PM PM PM PM PM PM PM PM PM PM

q DDTC MedPark Denton q q HV/LL q Old Town q Hebron q Trinity Mills Green Line Departs q

estaciones

Vi er nes par l a noche

Friday Night

4:30 4:52 5:14 5:36 5:58 6:20 6:42 7:04 7:26 8:10 9:00 10:36 12:16 2:16 2:48 3:10 3:32 3:54 4:16 4:38 5:00 5:22 5:44 6:06 6:28 6:50 8:16 9:56 12:57

—

Southbound to Carrollton Sur a Carrolton

Green Line Arrives q Trinity Mills q Hebron q Old Town q HV/LL q MedPark q DDTC q

Industrial

STATION

lunes - viernes

RideDCTA.net

Please note: schedule subject to change. Check website for latest schedule information.

Effective August 20, 2012

Informaciòn sobre A-train

A-TRAIN SCHEDULE

READ 5302 5304 5306 5308 5910 5912 5914 5916 5918 5920 5922 5924 5926 5928 5330 5332 5334 5936 5938 5940 5942 5944 5946 5948 5950 5952 5954 5956 5958 DOWN AM AM AM AM AM AM AM AM AM AM AM AM PM PM PM PM PM PM PM PM PM PM PM PM AM PM PM PM AM

Monday - Friday

Ave.

estaciones

Mayhill

Bell

STATION

Northbound to Denton Norte a Denton

For information on DCTA services, trip planning assistance or disability services, please call 940-243-0077 Monday through Friday 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

le Eag Mayes Rd.

TRANSIT FARE STRUCTURES CONNECT ONLY

UNIVERSITY PASS PROGRAM

Connect Passes can be purchased to travel on Connect local bus routes in Denton and Lewisville.

Students, faculty and staff of colleges with physical campuses within Denton County are eligible to participate in the University Pass Program. Proof of enrollment/employment is required. Visit the Downtown Denton Transit Center for more details.

Connect One-Way

$1.50

Connect One-Way Reduced

$0.75

Ten Ride Connect Book

$13.00

Local System University Student Full Semester Pass

$175.00

Local System University Student Summer Semester Pass

$120.00

Local System University Student Annual Pass

$365.00

LOCAL SYSTEM

Local System University Faculty/Staff Full Semester Pass

$250.00

Local System Passes allow a passenger to travel on DCTA services; Connect, Connect RSVP, UNT Shuttle and the A-train.

Local System University Faculty/Staff Annual Pass

$455.00

Monthly/31-Day Connect Pass

$45.00

Monthly/31-Day Connect Pass Reduced

$25.00

Annual Connect Pass $450.00

Local System One-Way

$3.00

Local System One-Way Reduced

$0.85

Regional University Student Full Semester Pass

$250.00

Local System Day Pass

$6.00

Regional University Student Summer Semester Pass

$160.00

Local System Day Pass Reduced

$2.00

Regional University Student Annual Pass

$600.00

Local System 7-Day

$25.00

Regional University Faculty/Staff Full Semester Pass

$340.00

Local System 10 Pack of Day Passes

$40.00

Regional University Faculty/Staff Annual Pass

$840.00

Local System Monthly Pass

$90.00

Local System Monthly Pass Reduced

$32.00

Local System Annual Pass

$650.00

Summer Youth Pass

$30.00

REGIONAL SYSTEM Regional Passes provide a passenger complete access to bus and rail service on DCTA, DART, TRE and The T (except paratransit services). Regional One-Way

$5.00

Regional Day Pass

$10.00

Regional Day Pass Reduced

$2.00

Regional 10 Pack of Day Passes

$70.00

Regional 7-Day Pass

$50.00

Regional Monthly/31-Day Pass

$120.00

Regional Monthly/31-Day Pass Reduced

$32.00

Regional Annual Pass

$1200.00

DCTA fares and passes may be purchased online, at ticket vending machines at A-train station platforms or at one of the ticket outlets listed below. • Downtown Denton Transit Center, 604 E. Hickory St., Denton, TX 76210 • TWU Student Union, 304 Administration Dr., Ste. 209, Denton, TX 76204 • Lewisville City Hall, 151 W. Church St., Lewisville, TX 75057 • Highland Village City Hall, 1000 Highland Village Rd., Highland Village, TX 75077

NCTC SHUTTLE NCTC Shuttle serves the North Central Texas College - Corinth and Flower MoundCampuses with stops in Denton and Lewisville. Passengers can pay the cash fare upon boarding or show the bus operator their NCTC ID. NCTC Shuttle One-Way

$3.00

NCTC Shuttle One-Way Reduced

$1.50

DEMAND RESPONSE ACCESS Access is a curb to curb ADA paratransit service for the elderly and disabled in Denton and Lewisville/Highland Village. Access One-Way

$3.00

Ten Ride Book

$30.00

REDUCED FARES ARE AVAILABLE TO • Youth ages 5-14 or students with a valid high school or DCTA-issued ID • Seniors age 65+

• People with disabilities who show: - A Medicare card - A Texas DMV notification - A disabled veteran ID card

Sign up for customized DCTA Rider Alerts at RideDCTA.net and receive new information regarding the A-train and other DCTA services. And don’t forget to follow DCTA on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and FourSquare.

Ticket vending machines and some ticket outlets do not sell all fare types.

A-train

Denton County Transportation Authority

2012

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transportation problems, despite construction of additional roadways . As a result, traffic congestion has become a major concern for regional travelers; and with increased traffic congestion comes air quality concerns. Planned construction along the I-35 corridor, tentatively set to begin in 2013-14, will only add to the issue. DCTA President Jim Cline said the A-train is in prime position to be a sound transportation alternative when land movers begin adding lanes along the 28-mile stretch from U.S. 380 to I-635.

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Parking

Commuters can park their cars at any of the A-trainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s five stations and board the more environmentally friendly Stadler GTW diesel-electric cars that roll out this summer. The sleek, aerodynamic articulated cars are compliant with the Environmental Protection Agency Tier 3 emissions standards, which are more stringent than those introduced in 1997. â&#x20AC;&#x153;These cars are about 30 percent more fuel efficient,â&#x20AC;? Cline said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;By having the A-train line in place, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re prepared for the improvements to I-35 with a true alternative route.â&#x20AC;? Parking is free at Hebron, Old Town, Highland Village/Lewisville, MedPark

From Page 16

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Denton County Transportation Authority From Page 23

Parking and the Downtown Denton Transit Center stations. In all, nearly 1,650 parking spaces (including 61 ADA-compliant) are available. DCTA Marketing Manager Kristina Brevard says parking and boarding the A-train usually doesn’t take a huge chunk of time out of a busy commuter’s schedule. “Ten minutes is a good rule of thumb,” she said. “This allows passengers time to park, walk to the platform and purchase their fare prior to boarding the train.” Commuters may want to plan a little extra time at two of the stations which are near or at capacity. With only 73 spaces available, the downtown station

is at capacity. Also parking at Highland Village/Lewisville Lake is tight. Other stations, however, have plenty of parking, she said. Riders should note that overnight parking is not permitted. If the A-train doesn’t provide the right commuter solution, Try Parking It might.

DCTA – along with Dallas Area Rapid Transit, Trinity Railway Express and the Fort Worth Transportation Authority – participates in the service provided by the North Central Texas Council of Governments designed to reduce the number of vehicles on the road through carpooling, vanpooling and other options.

Through Tryparkingit.com, commuters can build a profile and chart their public transportation modes. “They log in each day and provide information on how they are using transportation,” Brevard said. “We pull that report and try to compare those commuters with other people who have signed up. We try to pair them up for our Commuter Vanpool program.” The online program compiles the data and can make matches for carpooling or vanpooling. The information also assists transportation agencies like DCTA to plan for the future. “It helps us track transit patterns in the region, and it also helps us with applying for grants,” Brevard said. “So we have a vested interest.”

A-train

Denton County Transportation Authority

University Pass offers deals to students, faculty

s recovery from the Great Recession of 2008 has listed at times, a college education has become even more desirable. Enrollment growth at colleges and universities nationwide has steadily ticked upward. In Texas, enrollments at 2and 4-year public institutions are up 2 percent from Fall 201011 semesters to 1.46 million, according to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. The University of North Texas and Texas Woman’s University have been along for the ride and realized spikes with new students. And with growth on campuses just about anywhere, parking

“If students and faculty purchase a University Pass, they not only save gas and wear and tear on their car but they don’t need a parking place on campus.” — Kristina Brevard, marketing manager Denton County Transportation Authority

becomes more of a premium. Enter Denton County Transportation Authority’s University Pass Program. DCTA, in partnership with Denton County higher education institutions, rolled out the University Pass last year to encourage use of the regional transit network – including the A-train – and provide two commute alternatives for students,

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faculty and staff affiliated with local colleges and universities. A little more than 1,000 passes have been issued. Local System passes include access to the A-train and DCTA’s Connect bus service. Regional System passes provide access to the A-train, DCTA’s Connect bus service as well as fixed-route bus and rail services provided by Dallas Area Rapid Transit,

Trinity Railway Express and the Fort Worth Transportation Authority. DCTA Marketing Manager Kristina Brevard remembers hunting for parking places daily while attending Eastern Illinois University. “Parking was at a premium,” she said. “Every day.” With a University Pass, students and faculty/staff at UNT, TWU and North Central Texas Collage can board the A-train in Lewisville or Denton and even connect through DART in Carrollton at the Trinity Mills Station, and commute within a few miles of either campus to See UNIVERSITY on Page 26

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Denton County Transportation Authority From Page 25

University the Downtown Denton Transit Center (DDTC). From there, three buses designated for each campus run every few minutes. TWU is serviced by bus routes 4, 5 and 6 service and UNT by 7, 8 and 9. “If students and faculty purchase a University Pass, they not only save gas and wear and tear on their car but they don’t need a parking place on campus,” Brevard said. “They don’t have to hunt for a parking space. There’s always a parking issue on college campuses, especially as universities tend to grow.” Enrollment at TWU grew 3.5 percent in 2011 from fall 2010

to 14,500 students. UNT, the state’s fourth largest university, had a 3-percent boost to 35,694 in fall 2011 compared to spring 2010 enrollment. Brevard said a large portion of DCTA’s northbound ridership is students who use the University Pass program and commute via DART’s connection in Carrollton to Denton. That has enabled the A-train to maintain a balanced bi-direc-

tional ridership rather than being top-heavy on forward commuting – when riders from the suburbs travel to large metropolitan centers. And the good news, she says, is that DCTA is not planning to raise its regional fares for the program any time soon at a time when other regional transit authorities are considering a price increase. The goal of the University Pass is to provide stu-

dents, faculty and staff an affordable and convenient commute alternative for students, faculty and staff even using pedal power. The A-train and DCTA buses allow bikes. “If they want to use their bikes for the last mile or half-mile they can,” Brevard said. “They can bring their bikes with them.” Local and regional student and faculty fairs range from $120-$340 per semester and $365-$840 annually. NCTC, TWU and UNT students and faculty/staff can purchase a University Pass at the Downtown Denton Transit Center (604 E. Hickory, Denton) during regular business hours. Passes can also be purchased online at DCTA’s website (www.dcta.net).

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A-train

Denton County Transportation Authority

Safety key issue T

he new A-train cars may be some of the safest in the world but like every other commuter rail car they are subject to the laws of physics when traveling at high speeds. At a vehicle weight of about 79 tons, the cars just can’t stop on a dime. An average freight train traveling at 55 mph takes about one mile to stop. Even though Denton County Transportation Authority trains are much smaller, the distance required to stop is still significant and the danger of pedestrians trespassing on rails or cars trying to beat a grade-crossing signal in the path of an oncoming train is just as ever-present. Robert Lemley, head of A-train Security for the Denton County Sheriff’s Department (DCSD), says people should practice “safety, safety, safety” around tracks and at station

platforms. Being aware of approaching trains is essential whether crossing tracks at regulated grade-crossings by foot, bicycle or motor vehicle. No matter how congested traffic gets, motorists should not stop on the track. DCTA invested heavily in creating a safe corridor by eliminating the ability for motorists to bypass lowered gates at most of the line’s 43 grade crossings. But motorists have been on tracks when crossing gates began lowering as a train approached. Luckily, there haven’t been any fatal accidents. “We don’t have as much of a problem with people trying to go through gates as we do with people stopping at tracks and getting

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Denton County Transportation Authority From Page 27

Safety caught in the gate,” he said. “When the train’s coming and people are stopped on the tracks there is no place to go. People need to be aware that there are trains on the track and the last place you need to be is stopped on the track.” According to Operation Lifesaver, a person or vehicle is hit by a train every three hours. Through March this year, the Federal Railroad Administration reported 462 highway-rail incidents – including 62 fatalities – at gradecrossings across the U.S. In Texas, 11 people died in 50 incidents reported. Two of those were along the A-train’s 21-mile

“Safety of our passengers, our operators and the general public is paramount to us, and (Consider the Impact) is just one tool we use to advance our goal of operating a safe, efficient transit system.” — James Cline Jr., president Denton County Transportation Authority

line that stretches from Denton to Carrollton. In February, a husband and wife were struck by a train while walking northbound along the Lake Lewisville rail bridge. They fell 15-20 feet from the bridge into shallow water; a 32-yearold man died. That incident, as well as another in November when a 23-year-old man was killed while walking along the tracks,

can be prevented if people stay off the right-of-way. DCSD has enforced trespassing and will continue to do so, Lemley said. “Pedestrians are going to have to pay attention and keep from walking on the tracks,” he said. “We’re not shy about handing out tickets to people trespassing on the tracks.” DCTA has played an active role in educating Denton County residents about train

safety, says Dee Leggett, DCTA Vice President Communications/Planning. In months leading up to the Atrain’s launch and since service began, DCTA has done more than 1,000 presentations and met with 13,000 individuals while reaching out to schools and civic organizations. In April, DCTA launched a regional rail safety campaign, “Consider the Impact,” in partnership with Trinity Railway Express, Operation Lifesaver and Herzog Transit Services, Inc. The campaign includes multiple media tactics, including print, social media, direct mail and a kid’s poster contest. The program has combined with DCTA’s “Rail Ready” activSee SAFETY on Page 30

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A-train

Denton County Transportation Authority

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A-train

Denton County Transportation Authority From Page 28

TRACK FACTS AND TIPS

Safety ities focused in local school districts. In May, DCTA promoted safety awareness at the downtown Denton station on National Train Day. DCTA, Denton County and the cities along the A-train corridor have proclaimed June as “Rail Safety Awareness” month to stress the importance of safety along rail corridors. Though the agency plans to promote rail safety throughout the year, the agency will increase outreach efforts each year during the month of June. “Safety of our passengers, our operators and the general public is paramount to us, and (Consider the Impact) is just

Railroad tracks, trestles, yards and equipment are private property. Walking or playing on them is not only dangerous, it’s illegal. Trespassers can be arrested and fined - the ultimate penalty is death. The ONLY legal, safe place to cross tracks is at designated pedestrian or roadway crossings. Observe and obey all warning signs and signals. Do not walk, run, cycle or operate all terrain vehicles (ATVs) on railroad tracks, rights-of-way or through tunnels. There are approximately 160,000 miles of track operated in the United States (source: Association of American Railroads, 2010). Do not walk, jog, hunt, fish or bungee jump on railroad trestles. They are not designed to be sidewalks or pedestrian bridges; there is only enough clearance on the tracks for a train to pass. Do not attempt to jump aboard railroad equipment at any time. A slip of the foot can cost you a limb, or your life. Remember - rails and recreation do NOT mix!

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A-train

Denton County Transportation Authority

Smart phones play role in customer service

enton County Tr a n s p o r t a t i o n Authority has taken customer service to a whole new level, and riders can be heard loud and clear with just a few taps on their smart phones. The agency’s launch this spring of the GO Request mobile application and customer response has already made a significant impact, most notably providing a platform for riders to voice their requests for mid-day A-train service – among other things, says Michael Chinn, DCTA Director of Customer Service. “Since its inception, we have See CUSTOMER on Page 34

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A-train

Denton County Transportation Authority

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A-train

Denton County Transportation Authority From Page 31

Customer had about 340 requests ranging from hours of service to ‘you need to cut the weeds down behind the fence,’” Chinn said. “We get a good cross section of what’s going on out there, and I think the public has embraced it.” The app for iPhone and Android smart phones is DCTA’s latest attempt to provide a direct communication link for faster service, whether it’s reporting a concern or safety issue or finding information on schedules and routes. The new service is hosted by Government Outreach, Inc., and is becoming more popular with cities and municipalities across the country.

The technology relies on the GPS and camera features built into the phones, enabling users to open the application, select an issue, take a picture, and submit. The application picks up the exact location and sends the request directly to the agency staff member responsible for addressing the issue. This efficiency allows DCTA to improve the passenger experience while saving the agency staff time and money, Chinn said. “If you pick Bus Service, (the message) will route to the manager of driver operations and maintenance,” Chinn said. “It goes straight to the source. (Customer Service) doesn’t have to take a message and relay it to three or four people to get to the right person.” DCTA’s seven-member cus-

tomer service team remains in the loop and can monitor the requests to ensure customer satisfaction is achieved, Chinn said. He even gets copied on all requests and messages. “The quality rests with our customer service. It won’t get diluted. If a customer gets an answer that was less than expected, we will follow up and make sure the issue gets resolved.” Because the app is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, riders can communicate with DCTA outside of the agency’s normal customer service hours that run from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Friday. Chinn said the app has already generated more “back and forth communication” between customers and DCTA

and gives the agency immediate insight on issues that are important to riders. That will enable the A-train and other DCTA transit services to better meet ridership needs and improve operational efficiencies. “I see it creating a communication network with customers that we’ve lost in the past, and that will enable us to make significant changes,” Chinn said. “Communication with customers has increased. It also takes the number of calls off the call center.” As well as those calls that customer service representatives never like to take. Since the app went into service, the customer service center is receiving more friendly calls. See CUSTOMER on Page 36

A-train

Denton County Transportation Authority

North Central Texas Council of Governments

Working to help everyone breathe easier

Record-Chro on n nt

2012

le ic

he North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) works with its partners and the entire region to make sure residents who call Dallas-Fort Worth home have healthy air to breathe. As the designated metropolitan planning organization for the D-FW region, NCTCOG strives to make sure improvements to the growing transportation system do not worsen the area’s air quality. Currently, the D-FW region has ten counties in nonattainment for the pollutant ozone, meaning their air quality exceeds what the

r s’ C Aw h oice

Environmental Protection Agency considers healthy. Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Johnson, Kaufman, Parker, Rockwall, Tarrant and Wise counties make up the nonattainment area. In summer 2012, the EPA will add Wise to the existing ninecounty nonattainment area to reflect air quality under the revised ozone standard. The expanded nonattainment area is a result of the EPA’s 2008 decision to toughen the ozone standard from under 85 parts per billion to 75 ppb. Programs such as Air North Texas and Try Parking It are making the air

easier to breathe and improving efficiency for employers and commuters. Air North Texas is a regional public awareness campaign aimed at improving air quality. For the 2012 ozone season, Air North Texas is asking North Texas businesses, governments and individuals to Be Air Aware and commit to implementing clean air strategies on Air Pollution Watch days. Three separate lists – one for each target group – offer more than 50 strategies North Texans can commit to. Visit www.airnorthtexas.org/2012.as p to learn more, commit to

strategies and sign up to receive Air Pollution Watches and Warning email alerts, which notify subscribers when air quality is expected to be poor or has reached unhealthy levels. In addition to the Be Air Aware effort, consider continuing Air North Texas’ third annual Clean Air Action Day (held July 7) by implementing at least one clean air action that you have never done before between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Examples include: carpooling, vanpooling, taking transit, telecommuting, observing speed limits, avoiding See BREATHE on Page 36

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Denton County Transportation Authority From Page 34

Customer Riders who are upset are mostly getting their gripes off their chest through the app. “We’ve seen angry phone calls reduced 25 percent,” Chinn said. “People are venting anonymously because of this app. It’s not a person on the other end that you beat up.” The smart phone applications can be downloaded by searching for GO Request in the Apple App store, Android Market, or by going to the DCTA website at www.dcta.net. DCTA’s GO Request is also available online and can be accessed from other mobile devices by visiting http://www.dcta.net/passenger-comments.html. There is

“Our passengers told us they wanted convenient tools to communicate with DCTA. This technology responds to that request and allows us to more efficiently and effectively serve our customers.” — James Cline, DCTA president

“We’ve seen angry phone calls reduced 25 percent.” — Michael Chinn, DCTA Director of Customer Service

no charge to download the mobile application or to utilize the service through DCTA’s website. Only the standard data usage fees apply. “Our passengers told us they wanted convenient tools to communicate with DCTA,”

DCTA President Jim Cline said. “This technology responds to that request and allows us to more efficiently and effectively serve our customers.” More information about DCTA’s Go Request app is available at www.dcta.net.

From Page 35

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CONSIDER THE IMPACT

Before you drive beyond the safety line. Before you stand carelessly close on the platform. Before you decide to take that shortcut across the tracks. Consider the impact.

Visit dcta.net for more information or to set up a safety presentation.