TEXRail, TRE and UP Action at Fort Worth T&P Station

Today, we're at Fort Worth T&P Station for an exciting look at the newest transit North Texas has to offer, TEXRail! In this short series, we'll see some station action, as well as two full rides on board. More to come in the future!
The TEXRail was an exciting experience for me, and reminded me a lot of the DCTA A-Train, with which it shares many similarities. Enjoy the ride!
Filmed with Sony HDR CX-440 and Zoom H1 on 1/11/2019

[@DFWRailVideos]

6:04 Teir 4!! Yesterday I went to Union Station and rode the TexRail. I also saw my first Teir 4

[@drdewott9154]

You know something I noticed is that the double decker carriages on the TRE actually do match up with the platform height of the Texrail trains, so I wonder why do they have to use different sections of the platform? If anything just upgrading the entire platform to texrail height would make it easier for Texrail passengers to catch their train and the passengers on the TRE would also benefit from stepfree access instead of having to step up into the carriage.

[@NTxRE]

That's a good point... Well, I guess there's some engineer somewhere who decided that was the way it should be! It doesn't make much sense though. Maybe that's the plan all along, and the TRE will start using the new platform while the old ones are upgraded, to prevent service interruptions

[@OntarioTrafficMan]

The existing TRE coaches have permanent metal steps down from the floor level (see 17:29) so even if the platform were at the same height there would be a step down and then back up. Which is even worse than two steps down since it's a tripping hazard. In the future, TRE could retrofit their coaches with retractable steps to provide either a level floor or a step down depending on the platform height. Then they could raise the entire platform to the existing Texrail height. GO Transit has the exact same Bombardier Bilevel coaches as TRE and that's exactly what they are doing over the next few years.

[@thenoblegerman2637]

I was able to go through the engine compartment when I first rode the DCTA-A Train, which was when about the time it went public

[@NTxRE]

It's been so long since I've rode I honestly can't remember if you still can. I'll check it out next time I'm on!

[@dfwrproductions]

@@NTxRE I rode DCTA this year, and there's slide doors to access DCTA's engine compartment. Although I've never been through there, but I have seen it before in 2020. So yes. You can go through it still, unless they don't let you nowadays.

[@Surfliner6905]

I can’t wait to ride it in the Summer! Nice Video!

[@NTxRE]

It's lots of fun! Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@North_Texas_Railfan]

2:14 that horn gave me the shivers

[@nicolasgoldring7128]

That sounded more like a car horn.

[@graythewolf6096]

Red plugs for HEP probably. For when the train is off they can keep lights on as they work.

[@TexasRailfan21-RailfanRyan]

I was there yesterday with TexasRailfanProductions we took the train to Grapevine and back to Fort Worth ITC and did a few railfanning

[@ntytp]

Just Remember T&P stands for Texas and Pacific

[@amiranore1707]

Lol I’ve noticed that certain things about these trains tick you off like the bell for example lol

[@wouterpaap9343]

Informative video, thanks for that. It is a good thing that America is slowly getting an eye for the train. But if you look at the (to be expected) train frequencies between Fort Worth and Dallas and Fort Worth and DFW it is incomprehensible that you have not opted for an electrical system. Because in addition, this should be the starting point for a rail connection between DWF and Dallas itself.At least, in my opinion. A question about the horn that would be Canadian: Stadler is Swiss. These are Swiss trains. Is it the version of the horn that is Canadian?

[@NTxRE]

I 100% agree on the electrification of the line. It's a big investment, but it's definitely worth it in the long run. Unfortunately, I'm not knowledgeable enough on the horn to give you a good answer, but since final assembly took place in the US, these horns could be Swiss or Canadian either way. That's my guess, at least.

[@billythompson2563]

Welcome back to doing more train videos.

[@NTxRE]

It's good to be back! Unfortunately, it's still hard to keep up with it all the time, but I can escape school and work once a month or so. Until that calms down, I'll keep working through my footage backlog.

[@texasmodelrailroader3572]

What kind of engines are on thr TRR trains? I know they have f59s bjt what are the other ones with those diffrent cabs?

[@wilfstor3078]

I don't know why Austin Metrorail and DCTA don't let you use the cross passage. What do they think it's for maintenance.

[@edge2991]

I'm moving to the dfw area!! Cant wait!!! Bye bye nyc!!! If you think you got it bad NYC subway and buses are a nightmare

[@NTxRE]

I loved NYC subways when I visited last year quite a bit! I guess since I don't get to visit as often, I don't get to experience the issues, but it was always fun for me. In any case, welcome to DFW once you arrive!

[@davidng2336]

How do the dispatchers tell which train can leave first since the TRE and TEXRail share the same tracks?

[@NTxRE]

I'm no expert on how it all works, but if I had to guess, I'd say they share a dispatch since both TEXRail and the TRE are operated by Trinity Metro. I imagine they have the schedules worked out to keep things simple.

[@jslasher1]

Very simple. The departures are based on the actual times on the printed timetables.

[@dfwrproductions]

Hey, friend. Hope you have a great spring break! I'll be down in Houston filming METRORail and more. Anyways, did you ever know that Fort Worth T&P Station stands for: Fort Worth Texas & Pacific Station? Also, I guess I'm the only one who put Trinity Metro TEXRail and Texas & Pacific in the title. -NTTSM (North Texas Trains, Storms, and More) (My channel initials)

[@NTxRE]

I did know! When I went to the actual station I did some research and found out there's a lot of history behind it. Enjoy your trip!

[@dfwrproductions]

@@NTxRE Oh wow. Also, I bet I will enjoy my trip!

[@amiranore1707]

Also I have a question what’s the difference between Tex rail and the TRE

[@NTxRE]

They're related companies, but have different routes and lines. TexRail started in early 2019, while the TRE has operated for much longer.

[@PickleRicksFATASSCOUSIN]

Ah, I see that texas has good trains

[@NTxRE]

They're hard to find here!

[@sgtdebones]

Lmao, a smoke detector in the bathroom

[@NTxRE]

People are crazy! I'd be interested to see how long it takes before someone decides to try anyways.

[@TaylorMMontgomery]

questions to DFW residents: Does anyone ride the TRE? The last time I was in Dallas I rode it, and it was deserted.

[@NTxRE]

I think it's used rather frequently for commuters, but I imagine some of the riders use TexRail now more since it gets Fort Worth passengers much closer to the airport

[@charlesball6519]

Its always busy when I've ridden it from Fort Worth to Dallas (that being in 2011 and 2021) for the Texas State Fair

[@pandisal]

Better looking commuter train in the US so far I see...

[@NTxRE]

It does look nice and new! Hopefully it stays just as shiny as day one.

[@hyperkid321]

@@NTxRE I hope it gets lots of use.

[@edge2991]

At 12:50 where is everyone??? Lolol ooo man I wish I had the whole train to myself like that instead I get packed in like a sardine with the rest of NYC,s grumpiest!

[@NTxRE]

Haha, they're off driving cars somewhere! At least NYC has cool trains!

[@bbolin5626]

North Texas Rail and Elevator I still don’t understand why people like cars so much despite traffic being a thing. Do people prefer getting stuck in traffic when there is DART waiting for people?

[@NTxRE]

I think it's an issue of how many people commute into Dallas from outside of the DART service area, and even those in the area still need cars to get around where they live. It's pretty hard not to have a car here.

[@bbolin5626]

North Texas Rail and Elevator What about buses?

[@NTxRE]

It definitely helps a lot, but I didn't even think about buses until you mentioned them. In that case, I'd guess it's more of a mentality thing. I didn't really know Dallas had a light rail until I was almost out of high school, despite living 45 minutes away from the center my whole life. On the same note, I can't imagine life in NYC without a car, yet it's fairly normal.

[@amiranore1707]

What’s that steam noise that the train keeps making

[@NTxRE]

Which train? It was likely just it regulating air pressure in storage, or regulating the level of the train

[@charlesball6519]

The brakes on trains are operated by air, as well as is the suspension. That consumes air, so the compressors have to keep the air tanks at a specific pressure, once the tank does get to the set air pressure, a purge valve opens and the compressor stops, resulting in that sound you hear. All vehicles with air brakes do this.

[@amiranore1707]

@@charlesball6519 thank you for sharing your knowledge ❤️

[@jeromelandesman]

Where are the passengers? Free rides?

[@NTxRE]

This video was taken early on a weekday, but after the morning rush. As it got slightly later, things picked up, but it was nice and quiet for me!

[@Leonard_Wilson]

I can't believe that a railroad was built in a red state where mass transit is taboo

[@NTxRE]

Is it taboo though? I think the issue lies more within how everything is such a low density that we don't really need it that much. Used cars are cheap here, because there's an infinite supply of them. While it's happening slower than I'd like, mass transit is building it's way into our cities as they grow. There's plenty of plans for expansion in the future.

[@patrickvogel2932]

@@NTxRE That's nice to hear, I wish you guys the best luck in those projects.

[@AmericansAlwaysFree]

@@NTxRE i really hope these commuter train and lightrail projects don't go the way of the streetcar

[@NTxRE]

Hopefully we don't have a choice if our cities keep getting larger.

[@agrassel38]

The train at 7:24 looks like a Stadler Kiss train

[@NTxRE]

They do look somewhat similar, but these are actually Stadler FLIRT trains.

[@agrassel38]

North Texas Rail and Elevator nice :D

[@anime4life325]

They’re not Flirts, actually. It’s called the Stadler WINK. It’s basically a Flirt 3 but with a motor unit. Which can be both electric with a pantograph. Or as shown in this video, diesel.

[@gabrielstravels]

@@anime4life325 No, it's definetly FLIRT. WINK have two carriages and FLIRT have 3 or more. Also, only Arriva in Europe has ordered the WINK so far.

[@OntarioTrafficMan]

@@anime4life325 The WINK is a special variant of the FLIRT with both diesel and battery electric capability. The ones with just diesel or just electric are just called FLIRT.

[@TexasRailfan21-RailfanRyan]

Those Canadian electronic train bells are very annoying I prefer the EMD pneumatic mechanical train bells

[@NTxRE]

I do too... They sound much nicer. But those are still not the most annoying electronic bells I've ever heard!

[@chrisbrunson948]

Two different train systems run by two different rail organizations. Why couldn't they just combine their resources and run the same kind of train. WASTE!

[@NTxRE]

I see where you're coming from, but I'd have to disagree. The TRE is jointly managed by Fort Worth and Dallas, and TEXRail is only operated by Fort Worth. The trains used by the TRE would be overkill for TEXRail, and probably a lot more expensive to operate. The TEXRail trains are also better equipped for their closer-spaced stations, whereas the TRE's stock is more appropriate for the longer runs they make. It's a lot like how in New Jersey, Amtrak partners with NJT to run longer commute routes, including ones to NYC, but NJT still has their own smaller commuter lines that run more locally.

[@NTxRE]

What was a waste though, was the City of Fort Worth deciding not to make the upfront investment to electrify the system, allowing it to be much cheaper to run and expand as it grows.

[@AmericansAlwaysFree]

@@NTxRE same with the silver line in