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TEX Rail obtains approval from FTA to begin engineering phase
Is this the line used by the Tarantula Train? If so, will the Tarantula Train be able to continue operation on the line?
This is the old Cotton Belt line between Grapevine and Fort Worth. The Tarantula Train is now the Grapevine Vintage Railroad and it runs on weekends from Grapevine to Fort Worth and back. They do hope to continue operating, but it may be quite a challenge.
The existing right of way is pretty rough, so a complete rebuilding can’t hurt. However, since the Tarantula train only creeps along at about 12 miles an hour, there will be a serious compatibility problem. With adequate parking facilities, sufficient frequencies, and minimized dwell time at intermediate stations, this train will be very competitive with driving and parking in long term lots that require a bus ride to the terminal. As spread out as the terminals are, it takes little time to walk or ride the shuttles between them. Parking and frequency are the make or break keys.
One more thing. Long term parking at the airport is currently $6-a-day, I think. The combined cost of parking and train fare cannot exceed that amount if it is to attract riders.