Mobility committee reviews Denton transit recommendations; staff urges BRT, more GoZone coverage in equity areas

City of Denton staff on Aug. 27 briefed the Mobility Committee on transit recommendations drawn from the Denton County Transportation Authority (DCTA) strategic plan and regional Transit 2 work, recommending short-term bus rapid transit and expanded on-demand “GoZone” coverage targeted to equity areas with high shares of zero-car households.

The presentation by Farhan (deputy director, Transportation Services Division) summarized DCTA ridership and service elements, said staff advised adding premium BRT service in the short term, increasing GoZone locations in equity areas, enhancing mobile on‑demand service, and sponsoring a Denton‑specific Transit 2 study either alone or jointly with neighboring member cities and DCTA.

The recommendations matter because Denton’s staff analysis showed pockets of high percentages of zero‑car households and minimal bus commute shares in the same neighborhoods. “If DCTA cannot provide a bus route, please add more GoZone locations to these areas so that people…have access,” Farhan said during the presentation.

Farhan cited figures from DCTA’s strategic plan and related materials: roughly 1,800,000 annual bus boardings in fiscal 2024 across DCTA modes; A-train annual ridership near 260,000 and a fleet of 11 trains; and average monthly boardings cited in staff materials. Staff noted that DCTA plans to reduce A-train headways during peak periods from 30 minutes to about 15 minutes.

Staff described the short-, mid- and long-term recommendations as follows: - Short term: pursue a BRT (bus rapid transit) premium corridor serving major origins and destinations and operate high-frequency peak service; request additional GoZone locations in neighborhoods with concentrated zero‑car households; enhance mobile on‑demand service in equity areas. - Mid term: expand or add express bus service to major employment and university destinations; explore commuter-rail and longer-distance express connections. - Long term: pursue land‑use changes to support higher-density, transit‑oriented development and explore possible A-train station additions and a seamless transfer between the A‑train and the planned Silver Line to improve airport access.

Committee members asked for costs and timelines. When asked about the price of adding GoZone zones, Farhan said staff did not have that figure and would “circle back” with DCTA. On the regional Transit 2 work, staff said the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) has completed a broad Transit 2 study for the DFW region; City staff recommended a locally focused follow-up study for Denton and partner member cities. “That study was done for all the…member cities…so it is general. What staff is recommending is now the time that we focus on localized study,” Farhan said.

Committee members also asked operational questions: which agency decides bus stops (DCTA), whether the city can request stops at public libraries and recreation centers (staff said they can provide locations to DCTA during their coordination meetings), and whether removal of fareboxes or fare-free boarding was being considered. Staff said they would “circle back” on fares and on GoZone costs.

Ben (city staff) clarified the current committee role: the item was posted for discussion and receipt of the report, not as a request for immediate direction; staff will return with more detailed proposals and timeline options if the committee requests further work or a formal direction.

The committee did not take a formal vote on staff recommendations during the meeting but asked staff to return with follow-up information on cost, timeline and options for a localized Transit 2 study and on equity‑focused placement of GoZone locations.

Ending: Staff suggested next steps including continued coordination with DCTA and NCTCOG and a potential joint study with neighboring member cities. The committee requested follow-up information on GoZone costs, fare policy and a timeline for a city- or joint‑city Transit 2 study.