26 replies to this topic

[John T Roberts]

I'm trying to get up a Fort Worth Forum TEXRail ride to DFW Airport and back on Saturday, January 5th.  The weather looks as if it will be nice and it will be a great opportunity for us to take some of the first rides open to the public.  I realize that quite a few forum members were able to ride on the VIP train on New Year's Eve.  I would also understand that those who went on that ride would probably not be interested in doing it again.  However, if there is enough interest, I'm offering this opportunity.  We would have to work out the details.  I'm also unsure of our actual starting point.  If there is not enough interest, that is perfectly fine.  It's entirely up to the group.

[Austin55]

What time do you think would be best?

 

Perhaps a trip to Grapevine, lunch, and return?

[John T Roberts]

I was thinking ride all the way to the airport, then take the westbound train into Grapevine for lunch, then return.  I would think that we would start out in the morning. 

[Austin55]

That works, just need to find something to do for 40 mins at the airport.

[renamerusk]

Dylan, we will have to see.  If the Federal Government Shutdown doesn't allow the downtown stations to operate, as indicated in Austin's Fort Worth Star-Telegram link, then we will have to meet up at the Northside Station.  I think we can work out the details by Saturday....

 

Just in the nick of time, the Adults are taking charge of the Federal Government and will be able to get all but the Department of Homeland Security, "The Wall Department" reopened on Thursday, January 3. 

 

Those departments that have been held hostage and will reopen, DOT, National Parks, etc. can return to work.  Returning to work should mean that Tarrant Express Rail will immediately receive its certification to transport passengers through the "Hole in the Wall" section of Tarrant Express Rail.

 

I hope you guys can ride the entire route from T&P to DFW Airport and back.

[Dylan]

If the current schedule holds, I'm planning to take the first train from North Side to downtown (3:02am), then the first train to the airport, then the first train leaving the airport.

 

If y'all are willing to catch an early eastbound train (say 7:25, around sunrise), I may be willing to join y'all for a second trip to/from the airport. That way, I can get some daytime footage.

 

Rename, you aren't going to ride on opening day?

[JBB]

I can't make Saturday. I'm planning to ride from one of the Grapevine stations to downtown and back on Monday.

[Austin55]

How does this sound?

10:25 Depert T&P
10:38 Depart Northside
11:17 Arrive at Terminal B
11:55 Depart DFW
12:03 Arrive in Grapevine, lunch
1:03 depart grapevine
1:34 return to Northside
1:46 return to T&P

[John T Roberts]

Austin, I was originally thinking along those lines.  However, I was not opposed to starting earlier, depending on what the group wanted to do.

[Dylan]

Austin, I may be willing to do that 3 hours earlier, with breakfast instead of lunch.

 

Keep in mind, I'm catching the first train with no sleep that night.

[John T Roberts]

It appears that certification has not been granted to take passengers through the "hole in the wall".  From what I understand, they will provide a shuttle bus connection between two points.  I would prefer to just catch the train at the first available station that provides continuous service.  As for the time, I'm still flexible, but I think we need to get a consensus on when we should start.

[JBB]

From what little I've read this morning, it sounds like there's still a chance the approval could come through today.

12:03 Arrive in Grapevine, lunch
1:03 depart grapevine

That's a pretty quick turnaround for lunch when you factor in walking time. Your best bet would probably be Weinberger's Deli since it's close and is quick service. Chill is right across the street from the station and may be a decent option. If you had more time and wanted to get something unique to Grapevine, Esparza's and Tolbert's are both good. I haven't been to Wilhoite's since it reopened from remodeling, but it was always good. If you want a chain option that's not really unique, there's always Mac's, Jake's Burgers, or Cotton Patch (buyer beware). If you feel adventurous and want to spring for Uber or walk a little farther, Mi Dia and Meat U Anywhere are both excellent. Have fun whatever you guys decide.

I'm still planning on some kind of ride on Monday. If they aren't going downtown, we might start at one of the stations in NRH and jump over to the DART line at the airport.

[John T Roberts]

A one hour stop in Grapevine seems rather limiting.  I have all day, so I would be willing to stay two hours in Grapevine.  However, we still haven't settled on a time to start - early with breakfast in Grapevine, or later with lunch. 

[AndyN]

Set a time. I have to run a streetcar shift in Dallas at 2pm, so I'll probably jump on DART's Orange line instead of going to lunch.

[John T Roberts]

I've made a decision.  Dylan, I'm sorry that we will probably miss you, but I think leaving late enough to have lunch in Grapevine is a better alternative for me.  Why don't we meet at the Northside Station early enough to catch the 10:38 train if they are not providing continuous service to the T&P?  If there is service to the T&P that does not require getting off the train, getting on a bus, and then getting back on the train, then we can meet there at before departing at 10:25 AM.  For those eating lunch, let's allow 2 hours at Grapevine and then we can return back to our starting point. 

[Dylan]

Trinity Metro just announced TEXRail won't begin service tomorrow after all.

 

Maybe it will begin service at a later time on the day it opens.

[John T Roberts]

Well, at least the decision has been made regarding the forum.  However, this was one of my open Saturdays.  There is a good chance that I will not be able to offer a first day forum ride.  However, if someone else wants to organize one, they are welcome.  It doesn't look like the government shutdown will end anytime soon, so who knows when that inaugural trip to DFW will take place.

[tamtagon]

Thanks Obama

[renamerusk]

Thanks Obama

 

 "WTF?"    Excuse my incivility and crude choice of phraseology ----

 

however, how is there any credibility towards the blame that you are assigning to the Former President?

[tamtagon]

^it's a joke... blaming everything bad that happens on the previous admin... especially when it's irrational and whatnot. 

[renamerusk]

Okay; joke taken.  You had me there.

[Austin55]

So uh, Jan 12th now?

[John T Roberts]

Actually, no.  If you remember, I said depending on when they actually start the service, there would be a good chance that I could not organize a TEXRail forum ride on the first day.  They start on Thursday, and I have to be at work all day.  That's out.  I also already had plans for the weekend of the 12th.  Therefore, I can't make anything on that weekend.  I also said that I would leave it up to others on the board to try to organize something.  The opportunity is there.

[renamerusk]

January 12th may be wiser; it allows for more testing to be done so that the 1/05/19 episode is not repeated.

[John T Roberts]

Another option might be to set a date far in advance where everyone could plan on it.  We would have to pay for our rides, as I  consider the fares on TEXRail to be very reasonable.

[Dylan]

Will you be at Tim Young's walking tour Saturday morning?

[John T Roberts]

Yes, I will be one of the tour guides again this month.