In a move to gear up for what's expected to be monumental growth, Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker is putting her weight behind a new project examining the viability of urban rail systems in the city. According to the City of Fort Worth, the Mayor’s Urban Rail Committee is set to kick off this summer with a focus on stimulating economic development and bolstering local tourism through innovative transit solutions.

"We know that Fort Worth remains one of the fastest-growing cities in America, and current trends show that in 2100 the Fort Worth-Dallas Metro region will be the largest metro area in the country," Parker stated, per the City of Fort Worth. The anticipation of issues—but also opportunities—has spurred the city to take a hard look at urban rail as a component of its transportation identity. Parker expressed her belief in the timing of such explorations, especially when considering the potential advantages for the city's economic and tourism landscapes.

The newly formed committee has set its sights on three primary objectives: determining the feasibility of a rail system that could serve the local entertainment districts, exploring options for funding and construction, and identifying any legislative measures that could support economic growth and tourism rail projects. Trinity Metro, Tarrant County’s public transportation provider, is joining forces with the City of Fort Worth to divide consultancy fees required to propel the committee's research.

Trinity Metro CEO Rich Andreski emphasized the importance of forward-thinking for Fort Worth's transit future, stating, "We are glad to continue our collaborative work on this effort with City of Fort Worth, this time with a focus on exploring solutions that support the dynamic economic development and tourism needs of a rapidly-growing Tarrant County." This partnership suggests a unified front between local government and public transportation, aiming to improve Fort Worth's mobility, as cited by the City of Fort Worth.

Chaired by Jay Chapa of J Chapa Strategic Solutions, the Urban Rail Committee comprises key players from the business, tourism, and transportation sectors within Fort Worth. Among the notable committee members are Robert Allen, Kenneth Barr, and Mike Brennan. With such varied expertise at the table, the committee is poised to conduct thorough research and develop a comprehensive strategy to address the forthcoming transit challenges and possibilities.