Media Relations Contact:
Jerry Valdez
512-694-7611
Morgan Lyons
214/749-2662

January 14, 2002

Center accommodates TRE, the T, Amtrak Passenger Service, and retail opportunities

Trinity Railway Express Dedicates Intermodal Transportation Center

FORT WORTH, TEXAS - Community volunteers and regional leaders joined board members from the Fort Worth Transportation Authority (the T) and representatives from the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) today to formally dedicate the Fort Worth Intermodal Transportation Center in downtown Fort Worth. The daylong celebration of public transportation included tours of the building, an Amtrak passenger car, entertainment by local performers, free food and beverages and lots of information about how to ride buses and trains for work and play.

"Today's dedication marks the next step in transportation planning for our region. The ITC will serve thousands of commuters, shoppers, fun seekers and tourists. Most importantly for our region, the facility is another cog in helping to alleviate traffic congestion on our major roadways," said Dave Ragan, the T Executive Committee Chairman. "We look forward to a lasting partnership with our newest partner, Amtrak Passenger Service."

The formal dedication ceremony took place at the entryway of the multi-use transportation center located at 1000 Jones Street, at the intersection of 9th and Jones Street.

Participating were T Executive Committee Chairman Dave Ragan, DART Board of Directors Chairman Robert Pope, State Representative Kim Brimer, Senior Vice President of Amtrak Intercity Donald L. Saunders, and Fort Worth Mayor Kenneth Barr. John Bartosiewicz, President and Executive Director of the Fort Worth Transportation Authority (the T), served as master of ceremonies.

"Our thanks go to the numerous volunteers who provided valuable community-based input into the design and completion of this magnificent structure," said Bartosiewicz. "Their ideas are proudly reflected here today."

Bartosiewicz's comments were appropriately reflected by Tarrant County Legislator, Texas House Rep. Kim Brimer, who offered his comments.

"Today's dedication of the ITC adds an additional component to our already attractive economic development portfolio," said Rep. Brimer. "As corporate executives look for regions of the nation to relocate or expand, such a tool becomes necessary, if not mandatory."

The Trinity Railway Express is a joint service of the T and DART. Plano businessman and DART Board Chairman Robert Pope said, "The handsome new Intermodal Transportation Center is another milestone in the ongoing cooperation between DART and the T. We will continue to work together to provide first-rate seamless public transit for all our customers in the region."

In addition to the investment made by the T and DART, Amtrak will soon occupy its portion of the facility that will house a booking office and baggage handling facility inside the ITC, and share platform space with the TRE. This is in addition to their 2,500 square-foot Service Building adjacent to the ITC.

"Investments in intermodal connections like we now have in Fort Worth are vital to the continued growth of passenger rail service both regionally and nationally," said Don Saunders, Senior Vice President of Amtrak Intercity. "There is growing recognition that intercity passenger rail is a critical component of a city's transportation system and economic development. Amtrak's guests in Fort Worth will surely benefit from the convenience and amenities of this new facility."

Fort Worth Mayor Kenneth Barr, a former chairman of the T's Executive Committee, supports new approaches to regional transportation solutions.

"Public transportation has become increasingly important in Fort Worth. The completion of the ITC creates exciting new opportunities for commuters and visitors alike," said Barr. "Intermodalism, the ability to transfer easily between modes of transportation, is fundamental to expanding public transportation in North Texas. It will play a major role in the future of Fort Worth."

Following the brief morning ceremony, which included soloist Kacey Musgraves' performance of the national anthem, business and community leaders cut the celebratory ribbon and began to tour the new facility which will be home to
the TRE, Amtrak, the customer service center for the T, the kiss and ride areas to drop off commuters and future retail outlets.

Community partners directed the design of the ITC, in part, and remained interested in the historical perspectives of the building. The architectural style of the building reflects the neighboring Sante Fe Depot and stone and masonry work of other buildings in the area. Restored for use in the ITC are six electric lamps that once adorned the Fort Worth Public Library building. Constructed in 1939, the library was demolished in 1990. The chandelier from the library's stair tower is centered within the interior of the new 70-foot, four-faced clock tower visible for several blocks, changing the Fort Worth skyline. Five other art deco-style fixtures are installed on the second floor hallway of the facility.

The ITC is a 31,000-square-foot structure that will service the T, the TRE, and eventually Amtrak, in addition to a future private bus service, and future retail activity. The facility will also include administrative offices and locker rooms for TRE operations as well as a 3,700-square-foot meeting space. Construction costs are estimated at $19.7 million and acquisition of the land was $5.8 million.

There are now ten TRE stations. The two downtown Fort Worth stations are the T & P on Lancaster Avenue at Throckmorton and the Intermodal Transportation Center (ITC) at 9th and Jones Streets. The Northeast Tarrant County stations are Richland Hills on Burns Road, Hurst/Bell on Bell Spur Drive east of Bell Helicopter, and CentrePort/DFW Airport on Statler Boulevard off Trinity and Highway 360. Dallas County stations include: West Irving Station at Esters and Rock Island, South Irving Station on Rock Island Road, Medical/Market Station in Dallas and the Union Station in downtown Dallas. There is also Victory Station, located at the American Airlines Center. Free parking is available at all stations except the ITC, Medical/Market Center Station, Union Station and the American Airlines Center Station. There is no overnight parking at any of the TRE stations.

From the ITC, visitors can access the T's Route 1 to the Stockyards and the Central Business District; Route 7 trolley to the Cultural District; and TCU route 15 Saturday trolley to the Stockyards; and the ITC Circulator during peak commuter times to the Central Business District. Route 2, serving the Camp Bowie area in west Fort Worth and E. Lancaster in east Fort Worth, is another bus route accessible at the ITC. There is also three Express Bus boarding areas at the ITC in front of the Commuter Drop off area located on Jones Street. The four routes served by Express Bus service are: 61-Normandale Express to and from the Ridgmar area in west Fort Worth, 62-Summerfields Express service to and for the Summerfields area in north Fort Worth, 65-South Park and Ride Express serving downtown from the Alsbury area in south Fort Worth, and 66-Candleridge/Altamesa Express coming from the Hulen area in southwest Fort Worth.

For more information on fares, passes, schedules and assistance in planning your trip on the Trinity Railway Express, call The T at (817) 215-8600 or DART at (214) 979-1111. For information on Amtrak, call 800-USA-RAIL. Information also is available on the following web sites: www.trinityrailwayexpress.org , www.the-t.com , www.DART.org or www.amtrak.com.

-- 30 --