The Trinity Railway Express: A Quiet Workhorse Between Two Cities
TRE has linked Dallas and Fort Worth since 1996. Here's how it operates, who rides it, and where it fits in the next era of DFW rail.
The Trinity Railway Express (TRE) is a 34-mile commuter rail line jointly operated by DART and Trinity Metro, linking Union Station in downtown Dallas to T&P Station in downtown Fort Worth. Since opening in 1996, it has carried more than 60 million passenger trips.
How it works
The TRE shares track with freight operators and Amtrak's Texas Eagle for portions of its alignment. Bi-level cab cars and rebuilt F59PH locomotives provide consistent peak-period service, with mid-corridor stops at CentrePort/DFW Airport, Hurst/Bell, and Richland Hills.
Who rides it
Ridership skews to commuters bound for the medical and government clusters in both downtowns, plus airport employees and event traffic for AT&T Stadium and Globe Life Field via shuttle from Arlington's stadium district.
Where it goes next
- Potential through-running with the Silver Line at CentrePort.
- Exploration of weekend and late-night service expansion.
- Long-term electrification studies tied to NCTCOG regional rail plans.
The TRE is unusual nationally — a true bi-city commuter railroad with shared governance. For a deeper look at the regional planning context, see our overview of the NCTCOG transportation framework.
