Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2023
Is Arlington, Texas, the largest city in the US without mass public transit?
With a population of 395,000, Arlington remains the largest U.S. city without a mass public transit system, including bus or rail.
Voters have rejected proposals to create public transit three times since 1980, with many residents opposing a bus system. Between 2013 and 2017, the city funded a single bus route operated by Dallas Area Rapid Transit.
Citing low ridership, Arlington officials discontinued the route in December 2017 and replaced the program with a ride-sharing service. Residents can book rides through Arlington On-Demand until at least December 2024.
With Arlington slated to host 2026 World Cup matches and the 2024 MLB All-Star Game, officials are exploring new transit options to venues like AT&T Stadium and Globe Life Field. The city has announced a partnership with an electric air taxi company and set aside $17.5 million for street, transit and traffic projects in the entertainment district.
This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.
Sources
- City of Arlington New app available for citywide rideshare public transportation service, now known as Arlington On-Demand
- Dallas Morning News Why is there no mass public transportation to get to the World Series in Arlington?
- Ars Technica This city has a vision for mass transit that doesn’t involve city buses
- KERA News Arlington's rideshare service Via hits milestones as commuters feel pain at the gas pump
- KERA News Arlington, regional officials consider local funds to pay for World Cup improvements
- City of Arlington Overair, City of Arlington to develop and launch eVTOL operations at Arlington Municipal Airport
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