Trinity Metro Captures Western Experience with New Orange Line

In partnership with elected officials, business and community leaders, Trinity Metro, Fort Worth, TX, has launched a bold new service with its Orange Line to transport visitors and locals between downtown Fort Worth and the Fort Worth Stockyards. The agency recently celebrated the service kickoff in style with an event for media and stakeholders, another celebration for the public as well as the chance to participate in a parade to give everyone a good look at the western-themed orange buses.

Trinity Metro President and CEO Richard Andreski lauded the efforts of partners and commended everyone for working together. “This project is a true testament to the power of collaboration, and I want to express my deepest gratitude to our incredible partners—the dedicated business leaders from the Stockyards and Downtown, and of course our visionary Mayor, Mattie Parker,” he said. “Your commitment and leadership have brought us to this moment, and today, we’re celebrating a major step forward for public transportation in Fort Worth.”

The bus fleet is adorned with three distinct, eye-catching western artworks on a colorful orange background. One features a drover and longhorns, which represents the twice-daily cattle drive led by drovers on horseback in the Historic Fort Worth Stockyards. Another design depicts the rodeo event of barrel racing, which generally features female competitors on horseback seeking the fastest time while maneuvering around barrels. The other artwork shows dancers gliding on the dancefloor while a guitarist provides the music indicative of Billy Bob’s, the world’s largest honky-tonk. At night, the buses match the festive atmosphere with orange under-carriage lighting.

All three bus designs were at the kickoff events so that everyone could see the artistry and also take a look inside. At the stakeholder celebration, six drovers participated and were positioned alongside the bus that featured the steer that they drive every day.

The interiors mirror the aura of the Stockyards and provide a look and feel like no other in Trinity Metro’s bus system. Riders are engaged on their journey as they enjoy an immersive western experience featuring country music, unique seating with the look of brown leather and cowhide, wood-like flooring, panoramic vistas, and a ceiling that displays blue skies and puffy white clouds.

“The launch of the Trinity Metro Orange Line marks a significant moment for our city. It’s a statement about the kind of city we’re building—a city where public transportation is at the core of our growth, our economy, and our way of life,” said Andreski. “We’re not just planning for the next few years; we’re laying the groundwork for a future where Fort Worth stands out as a leader in innovation and connectivity. With the Trinity Metro Orange Line, we’re saying that public transportation is at the heart of our culture and our future. We’re connecting people to life.”

Millions of visitors flock to Fort Worth, affectionately nicknamed Cowtown, each year to enjoy the western mystique and soak in the rich culture and history. With more than 11 million visitors in 2023, that yields a total economic impact in excess of $3.4 billion and reflects 32,000 jobs that are supported by tourism.

Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker was excited about the Orange Line and other transportation options for North Texas. “The timing for this is perfect. Yesterday was our kickoff for our urban rail committee taskforce for the City of Fort Worth,” she said. “Leaders across our city are truly committed to the future of urban rail and transit for Fort Worth and Tarrant County.”

Parker credited those who have laid the groundwork for advancing transportation efforts. “Many of you in the audience have been fighting the fight for transit for decades, and it’s because of you that we are here today.”

“Several years ago, we celebrated the opening of the finest commuter rail line in the United States, Trinity Metro TEXRail, which is regularly breaking daily and monthly ridership numbers,” said Trinity Metro Board Chair Jeff Davis. “We continue that innovation today as we celebrate the opening of the Orange Line.”

The new route includes bus stops by multiple hotels downtown to make it convenient for guests. Hours of operation are 5:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. daily with 15-minute frequency. In addition to connecting downtown and the Stockyards, the route also serves Trinity Metro TEXRail’s North Side Station, giving riders another travel option for reaching one of Fort Worth’s most popular destinations.

Andreski said the Orange Line is more than just a new bus service. “It represents a bold new strategy for Trinity Metro. Orange Line and the other new color-coded routes to follow over the next 18-24 months is an opportunity to experiment with public transportation in Fort Worth. By making transit fun and attractive, we have a chance to build new markets and reach non-traditional riders.”

He added, “At Trinity Metro, we are going big and thinking outside the box! The Orange Line is just the beginning of a journey for us to reimagine public transportation. We’re committed to expanding our network, enhancing our services, and ensuring that every resident and visitor has access to excellent transportation.”