New Bus Service Could Connect to Opportunities in Fort Worth

As Fort Worth continues to grow, there's a push for better bus service to get people to work and school faster.

The proposals include three brand new routes on the northwest side, one of them connecting to Tarrant County College's Northwest campus.

But before anything takes effect, the Fort Worth Transportation Authority is asking the public what they think needs to change.

For many in Fort Worth, a public bus is the only wheels they can count on.

"To get around town, to go places, see sights and take care of business," said frequent “T” rider Brenda Clement.

At the downtown bus depot, you'll hear gratitude for the service.

"I've lost everything that I've had three or four times and the “T” came to my rescue," said rider Ted Taylor.

But you’ll also hear questions about how to make it better.

"There's just certain routes that need to be upgraded, take a shorter time,” said Franklin Norwood. “You've got an appointment at 8:00 in the morning, you've got to get up at 5:00 to get there."

Now the Transportation Authority is listening, holding the first of four public meetings Thursday night to talk about proposed upgrades, including new service along Beach Street north of Loop 820, plus three new routes.

One would connect to the Tarrant County College Northwest campus, where many students are still saving up for their first car.

"There are several students in my class right now that have the issue and especially when it's raining, they have a hard time. Some of them walk," said student Diana Jones.

It's a serious hike from the closest bus stop now, more than three miles away. The inaccessibility could cut some people off from a chance to better themselves.

That's the same complaint from those wishing for a quicker, closer route to a steady job.

"It is hard on a person going from one destination to the next," said Norwood.

The other two proposed new routes are along River Oaks Boulevard and Long Avenue. Any changes would kick in next spring.

To share your opinion, that first public forum is at 6 p.m. Dec. 1 at the Northside Community Center, 1100 N.W. 18^th St.

The next are on Dec. 6 at 6 p.m. at the Riverside Community Center, 3700 E. Belknap St.; Dec. 12 at 6 p.m. at the Diamond Hill-Jarvis Branch Library, 1300 N.E. 35^th St.; and Dec. 15 at 5:30 p.m. at the Intermodal Transportation Center, 1001 Jones St.