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According to 2020 data from the North Central Texas Council of Governments, 67% of nitrogen oxide emissions come from transportation. (Izzy Acheson | Fort Worth Report)
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Fort Worth, poised to become a major transportation hub, is seeking public input on its traffic and safety initiative.

The city is holding open houses on the Master Transportation Plan and Vision Zero Safety Action Plan through June 29 in each City Council district to inform residents and solicit feedback.

The “Moving a Million” transportation initiative seeks to end all Fort Worth roadway crashes resulting in death or serious injury. Kelly Porter, Fort Worth’s assistant director of regional innovation and transportation planning, encouraged those who can’t make it to an open house to take an online survey. 

“We really want to hear from residents on this active plan to shape Fort Worth’s growth. Join us at one of the open houses to hear the early plans and provide your input on our transportation network and quality of life,” said Porter.

Preventing traffic deaths is a goal of the Texas Department of Transportation, which recently launched its #EndTheStreakTX public awareness campaign.

“The reality is this: Texas has lost at least one person every day on Texas roads since Nov. 7, 2000,” the agency said on its website. “We need to end the streak of daily deaths on Texas roads!”

Mayor Mattie Parker highlighted the open house events June 25 as one of three Fort Worth things to know about.

In May, Parker launched a committee with Trinity Metro to explore creating a rail system between Fort Worth’s entertainment districts, its financial support and mechanisms for construction and operation, the Fort Worth Report previously reported.

“It is about tourism and economic development. Absolutely,” Parker previously said. “But I think there’s a huge element to also meeting the needs of the population that lives here, that enjoys those entertainment districts.” 

The committee’s goal is to create a list of priority projects by the end of the year, Parker said.

“If we don’t have alignment on what our goals and priorities are, we’re never going to get some of these big projects funded,” she said.

Peter LeCody, president of Texas Rail Advocates, said he was “pleased Fort Worth and Mayor Parker are moving forward on these (transportation) initiatives.”

Fort Worth could become a major rail center for passenger service if federal officials approve and fund several new routes to other cities, including rail service to cities on both the East and West coasts, he said.

“If half of these are approved, your central station will be a major hub,” he said.

To learn more about Fort Worth transportation initiatives, email transportation@fortworthtexas.gov or call 682-263-9597.

If you go

What: Open houses for Fort Worth’s transportation and safety planWhen: June 25 through June 29

Tuesday, June 25

4-7 p.m. – District 2 @ Northside Community Center, 1100 NW 18th St., 76164

4-7 p.m. – District 9 @ Fire Station Community Center, 1601 Lipscomb St., 76104

Wednesday, June 26

4-7 p.m. – District 3 @ RISE Community Center, 8201 Calmont Ave., 76116

4-7 p.m. – District 10 @ Golden Triangle Library, 4264 Golden Triangle Blvd., 76244

Thursday, June 27

4-7 p.m. – District 8 @ Worth Heights Community Center, 3551 New York Ave., 76110

4-7 p.m. – District 7 @ Thomas Place Community Center, 4237 Lafayette Ave., 76107

Saturday, June 29

1-4 p.m. – District 11 @ Reby Cary Youth Library, 3851 E. Lancaster Ave., 76103

Eric E. Garcia is a senior business reporter at the Fort Worth Report. Contact him at eric.garcia@fortworthreport.org.