NCTCOG Launches Transit Study for Eastern Dallas, Kaufman, Rockwall Counties

(ARLINGTON, Texas) – The North Central Texas Council of Governments will host a virtual public meeting for the launch of the East Dallas, Kaufman and Rockwall Counties Regional Transit Study, giving residents a chance to provide input on needs for existing and future transportation in the area.

The meeting is scheduled for noon to 1:30 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 19 and will be streamed live at PublicInput.com/nctcogEDKR. Residents can also participate by phone by dialing 855-925-2801 and then entering code 4816. A recording will be available after the meeting.

The study will focus on the development of a comprehensive public transportation plan for cities and areas that are not members of Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) or served by STAR Transit. Efforts of the transit plan include strategic implementation and coordination with other area planning initiatives.

Residents will be provided a chance to share input regarding issues that are important to them, as well as ideas to improve transit services as the area continues to grow. The Dallas-Fort Worth area is the fourth-largest metropolitan region in the country, with a population of approximately 8 million people.

Population and employment are projected to grow substantially by 2045 in each of the counties involved in this study. According to NCTCOG’s long-term forecast, Rockwall (82%) and Kaufman (81%) counties will lead the region in growth by percentage through 2045.

DART provides services to part of this area. These counties are also partially server by STAR Transit but are looking fo additional transportation choices to complement the existing system. This public meeting will serve as a chance for those who live, work, and frequently travel through or within this area to make their voices heard.

This study will introduce the public to the purpose, overview and outcomes of the project plan. Components of the study include identifying transit options, funding and implementation strategies, delivery of recommended services, and potential impacts on the community.

For further information regarding the East Dallas, Kaufman and Rockwall Counties Regional Transit Study, or to sign up for email updates, visit the project website at www.nctcog.org/edkr.

NCTCOG is conducting a separate study of transit needs in Denton County and recently held a public meeting in Denton to provide residents an opportunity to share input on their needs. In 2021, NCTCOG completed studies of transit needs in Collin, Tarrant and southern Dallas counties.

About the North Central Texas Council of Governments:
NCTCOG is a voluntary association of local governments established in 1966 to assist local governments in planning for common needs, cooperating for mutual benefit and coordinating for sound regional development. NCTCOG's purpose is to strengthen both the individual and collective power of local governments and to help them recognize regional opportunities, eliminate unnecessary duplication and make joint decisions.

NCTCOG serves a 16-county region of North Central Texas, which is centered on the two urban centers of Dallas and Fort Worth. Currently, NCTCOG has 238 member governments including 16 counties, 169 cities, 19 school districts and 27 special districts. For more information on the NCTCOG Transportation Department, visit www.nctcog.org/trans.

About the Regional Transportation Council:
The Regional Transportation Council (RTC) of the North Central Texas Council of Governments has served as the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for regional transportation planning in the Dallas-Fort Worth area since 1974. The MPO works in cooperation with the region’s transportation providers to address the complex transportation needs of the rapidly growing metropolitan area. The Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area includes Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Hood, Hunt, Johnson, Kaufman, Parker, Rockwall, Tarrant and Wise counties. The RTC’s 44 members include local elected or appointed officials from the metropolitan area and representatives from each of the area’s transportation providers. More information can be found at www.nctcog.org.

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