Denton celebrated the opening of it’s first passenger rail line on September 30, 1924. Nearly a century later, in just a few weeks, (on June 18) DCTA will throw an opening day bash for the A-train passenger line. The Rock N’ Rail celebration will give free train rides and host festivities at each station. There will be bands, food, etc. They need a bunch of volunteers, around 150, so if you want to help, fill out this DCTA volunteer form.
There are a few key details people should know about biking and the A-train:
- You can’t bring a bike on the train for opening day. The trains will be too crowded to fit bikes, and DCTA generously allows bikes on board anytime after opening day.
- The train cars will be an older style for the first 18 months, so they won’t have bike hooks. If you want to take a bike on board, you’ll have to securely hold it.
- DCTA asks that people load bikes on the train via the stairs, not the ramps.
- The rail trail re-opens concurrent with the train service. Denton Parks & Rec asks that people stay off the trail till June 18.
- Pictured above are nicer wave bike racks at the downtown station for about 40 bikes.
The celebration is noon to 4PM, and it’s going to be a blast. Rubber Gloves Rehearsal Studios will have $.75-1.00 drink specials next door, and the Querencia Community Bike Shop will be open from 3-5PM. E.
Thanks for the update! I’ve been very curious about the bike situation on the A-train. Too bad there’s no hooks for a while, but it will def be a major improvement over how bikes are handled on the current Commuter Express buses. Any idea if the trains will run faster when thy update the train cars a year and a half from now?
Are there plans for the rail trail to go farther than MedPark station?
@Danny: I’m not sure if the newer Stadler trains will be faster. They’re definitely sexier, more accommodating, and they run cleaner. The older cars are kinda cool looking, shiny like Airstreams.
@Daniel: Totally. The rail trail goes all the way through Corinth and ends right before the lake. I used to ride it all the way over near the Rave movie theater. Eventually, it’s supposed to go to Dallas.
I just rode this trail today. I started on the Corinth side and missed the transition at the Med Park station on the way there. On the way back I discovered that you actually have to cross the tracks at the station.
Any update as to when the bridge over 288 will be completed? If it’s there, I’ve never noticed it.
Yes! Parks and Rec is taking bids on construction in July with construction to start soon after that. They want it done in the beginning of 2012.