Transportation

Because the Fort Worth Metroplex is spread over such a large area, one might wonder if getting from one place to another in a timely manner is possible. Fort Worth has such a fully-developed system of highways and public transportation that commuting is never a problem. Because the city is not condensed onto a few square miles, there is not a continuous problem of traffic jams and backups. Fort Worth also offers easy access to air travel and railways. Some of the major transportation venues in the Fort Worth area are listed below.

HIGHWAYS (see area map.)

Fort Worth has four major interstate highways--I-20, I-30, I-35 and I-45, which connect points north, south, east, and west. The Fort Worth Transportation Authority, the "T", offers convenient and comfortable bus service throughout Fort Worth, Lake Worth, Blue Mound, Richland Hills and downtown Dallas.

The Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport has turned the Metroplex region into an international port. American Airlines and Delta Air Lines both use DFW as a major hub; American Airlines is headquartered in Fort Worth. Lone Star Airlines, also based in Fort Worth, has a hub at DFW. Lone Star Airlines is the largest independent regional airline.

Just 20 minutes from downtown Fort Worth, Alliance Airport sits on 20,000 acres. Alliance Airport was built as a partnership between private investors and the City of Fort Worth. The area around this airport has become an increasingly popular place for both residential and commercial builders. Alliance has free trade zone status--from the US Department of Commerce--so much of its popularity can be attributed to the passing of the North Atlantic Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA.)

Fort Worth also has two general aviation airports, Meacham Airport and Spinks Airport. Meacham Airport is 6 miles from downtown; Spinks is 14 miles from downtown Fort Worth.

Fort Worth's rail systems are very capable, with reciprocal switching, intermodal capability, and access to major lines and spurs. The nation's largest rail system, Burlington Northern-Santa Fe Railroad, has its headquarters in Fort Worth and also operates a rail yard and intermodal system in Irving.

Fort Worth is working to further develop its intercity rail system. Railtran is currently being developed; Railtran is part of the 1991 Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act, which sets aside federal highway funds for alternatives to automobile travel.

Dallas has an operative rail system, called DART, Dallas Area Rapid Transit. This rail system is still growing and it is planned that this system will extend all over Dallas and Tarrant counties.

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