171 replies to this topic

[Thurman52]

A traditional bus was acting as the dash yesterday. Wonder if someone forgot to plug in one?

[Austin55]

Dylan, do you think this map makes more sense?

 

[Dylan]

That is much better and more helpful than the current map. Passengers who don't understand traditional bus maps would be much less confused.

 

That said, if Google Maps is correct, the above map is missing a few stops.

[renamerusk]

Why are there two stops along Currie Street and why does this bar/club strip warrant using taxpayer funding for their benefit?   Seriously, explain to us how it Crockett Row compares in stature with the Cultural/Exhibition District, the Botanic Gardens and the Zoo?

 

DASH is being used to prop up Sundance Square and Crockett Row when it ought be focused on connecting  visitors arriving on Tarrant Express Rail and TRE to Fort Worth's points of interest (FWSY, etc.).  It would also encourage residents from NE Tarrant County and East Tarrant County to take the trains into Fort Worth.

 

I think FWSSR, Zoo Spring Break Week, the events schedule at Dickies Arena, FWSY events are perfectly legitimate times to run a connector service.

[Austin55]

That said, if Google Maps is correct, the above map is missing a few stops.

 

I got rid of several for simplicity sake. Also the arrows are covering some up.

[Austin55]

I also dislike that there are no labels for the museums on the map

[Austin55]

stats,

[renamerusk]

With only 9 days remaining in November; is this Trinity Metro's idea of spin?.

[txbornviking]

I reeeeeeeeeeealy don't want to just spout negativity on this, but The DASH continues to raise my questions in my mind that it answers.

 

I don't recall previously hearing 200 riders/day as a goal to define "success."

Success as ridership approx 5-7% of what Route 2 is currently getting on a very similar route seems misconstrued to me. Heck, I'd bet if the same money had been spent to give Route 2 10 minute headway as opposed to it's already "best in class for Trinity Metro" 15 minute headways that they'd have seen a larger uptick in ridership numbers...

 

I'm still hoping to see some sort of partnership with the stockshow (show your stockshow ticket for a free ride perhaps?) in January that could drive ridership and help encourage more folks visiting the stockshow to think about using public transit as part of how they explore Ft. Worth.

[renamerusk]

I think providing free rides on the DASH during the FWSS&R and coupling that with free rides on Tarrant Express Rail would be an effective step to encourage more people to think about using public transit. 

 

The promotion should include Grapevine Tourist & Convention, Fort Worth Stockyards and the Fort Worth Zoo. 

 

Heck why not begin this promotion by offering free rides on Tarrant Express Rail this weekend for the Parade of Lights and Sundance Square Plaza Tree Lighting?

[Dylan]

200 riders a day is pitiful. But, I'm not surprised at those numbers.

 

They're marketing The Dash towards people who don't understand how traditional buses work, but they're treating it like a traditional bus (at least the schedule and map).

 

People who already ride traditional buses may as well ride route 2.

[Austin55]

At that amount may as well try and find an additional sponsorship and leave it free year round. 300 people a day paying, say an average of $3.33 (assuming some are buying $5 day passes) is less than half a million a year.

[Austin55]

It was mentioned at FWTA board meeting that there was 800 riders the day of the Pioneer Tower relighting, way above the average daily of 211, so it will be interesting to see how ridership is influenced by events.

[Austin55]

Dash running an extended schedule for NYE

 

https://fortworthtex...h-NYE-Schedule/

[renamerusk]

Dash running an extended schedule for NYE

 

https://fortworthtex...h-NYE-Schedule/

Excellent coordination!

[Austin55]

Daily ridership during the FWSSR was 270 according to Trinity Metro Board.

[renamerusk]

Man, it's about butts in seats. Identify where your riders are, where they want to go and connect the two places......

 

 

Or how about how many total seats were in service to how many seats were occupied?  Can someone do the math?

[Austin55]

It looks like Dash will essentially replace Molly with a 2nd downtown route.

https://content.govd...TRINITY-2e1d04f

[Austin55]

The Dash is going away in September.

https://fortworthrep...forming-routes/

[Jeriat]

The Dash is going away in September.

https://fortworthrep...forming-routes/

Can't say I'm surprised... and honestly, can't say I'm disappointed, either. 
 

[Austin55]

It's sad but sensible.

 

The #2 serves residents/workers going from downtown to Cultural District/W7th pretty well. However, there's now half as many buses going that route, and City Hall is coming online soon in the mid-point. I'd not be surprised to see some sort of increase of the #2 just for the sole purpose of being a City Hall lunch shuttle, or maybe even some sort of dedicated route perhaps funded by the City. 

 

Dash, from a tourist perspective, was tricky. On a day-to-day basis, it'd be getting people from the hotels to the museums. My "hot take" is that the museums just aren't that big of a draw, and again, the #2 can do that. 

Now, where I will really lament a lack of The Dash is during Dickies Arena events and the FWSSR. I wonder if there is some sort of way to fire up the route for Dickies events, if nothing else just to connect TRE/TEXRail riders to the arena. The museums are an easy walk to the #2 route, Dickies on the other hand is a hike. 

During the FWSSR, I think the most in-demand route would be from the WRMC to the Stockyards. 

[txbornviking]

It's sad but sensible.

 

The #2 serves residents/workers going from downtown to Cultural District/W7th pretty well. However, there's now half as many buses going that route, and City Hall is coming online soon in the mid-point. I'd not be surprised to see some sort of increase of the #2 just for the sole purpose of being a City Hall lunch shuttle, or maybe even some sort of dedicated route perhaps funded by the City. 

 

Dash, from a tourist perspective, was tricky. On a day-to-day basis, it'd be getting people from the hotels to the museums. My "hot take" is that the museums just aren't that big of a draw, and again, the #2 can do that. 

Now, where I will really lament a lack of The Dash is during Dickies Arena events and the FWSSR. I wonder if there is some sort of way to fire up the route for Dickies events, if nothing else just to connect TRE/TEXRail riders to the arena. The museums are an easy walk to the #2 route, Dickies on the other hand is a hike. 

During the FWSSR, I think the most in-demand route would be from the WRMC to the Stockyards. 

 

 

cheesy branding etc, but a special "stockshow roundup route" that was timed to pick up folks from the Fort Worth Central whenever TexRail or the TRE came into the station and run folks to the stockshow would seem smart