METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

DCTA adding service after full PTC implementation

With the new train schedule, there will be improved A-train frequency all day.

August 14, 2019
DCTA adding service after full PTC implementation

DCTA will add midday A-train service and updates to provide better connectivity to the Dallas Area Rapid Transit Green Line.

DCTA

2 min to read


DCTA will add midday A-train service and updates to provide better connectivity to the Dallas Area Rapid Transit Green Line. DCTA

Texas’ Denton County Transportation Authority (DCTA) is going full speed ahead by adding mid-day A-train service with the implementation of Positive Train Control (PTC) technology. Effective August 26, DCTA will have PTC safety technology on all regularly-scheduled trains with passengers on board the A-train.

The agency will also have a new A-train schedule, to accommodate PTC implementation that will positively benefit riders. With the new train schedule, there will be improved A-train frequency all day (30-minute frequency). There will be a short break between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. while trains are prepped and staffed for the remainder of A-train service schedule.

Ad Loading...

DCTA will add midday A-train service and updates to provide better connectivity to the Dallas Area Rapid Transit Green Line. Four northbound and four southbound trains are being added to the schedule which will reduce service gaps and provide more ride options for passengers in the middle of the day.

Riders will also notice a difference in A-train frequency and run times. Transit agencies nationwide that operate commuter rail systems have adjusted run times as an impact of implementing PTC technology. DCTA has modified its A-train schedule to reflect an increase of 12 minutes in run times (total run time of 44 minutes) due to the implementation of this safety-critical technology on-board the A-train. DCTA’s second phase of PTC implementation is underway as the agency aims to improve travel times for a potential reduction in total run time.

Now with DCTA operating all train schedules in Revenue Service Demonstration, the agency will add back the two Friday evening trips and Saturday morning trip that were previously unavailable to riders during PTC testing and implementation that started last spring 2018.

More Rail

KC Streetcar Riverfront extension with graffiti wall
Railby StaffMay 19, 2026

KC Streetcar Expansion Strengthens Access to City’s Growing Riverfront

The project adds 0.7 miles of track to the existing KC Streetcar line, connecting north from the River Market to Berkley Riverfront Park.

Read More →
An Amtrak Cascades Airo Trainset at a station.
Railby Staff and News ReportsMay 19, 2026

First Amtrak Cascades Airo Trainset Arrives in Pacific Northwest for Final Testing

Take a closer look at the next generation of Amtrak Cascades service as the first Airo trainset prepares for passenger operations in the Pacific Northwest.

Read More →
MBTA Green Line Construction
Railby StaffMay 18, 2026

Boston's MBTA Completes Latest Green Line Work

The work took place during 12 consecutive days of shuttle bus service replacement between Kenmore and Cleveland Circle. 

Read More →
Ad Loading...
King County Metro's bus depot with Schunk Transit pantograph charging infrastructure.

Biz Briefs: King County Metro Taps Schunk Transit Systems for Charging and More

Stay informed with these quick takes on the projects and companies driving progress across the transportation landscape.

Read More →
MTA and ASCE officials at plaque celebrating earning the New York Metropolitan Historic Civil Engineering Landmark designation.
Railby StaffMay 15, 2026

New York MTA's Hugh L. Carey Tunnel Lands ASCE Landmark Status

The Hugh L. Carey Tunnel is the fourth MTA-owned property to be granted landmark status by the ASCE.

Read More →
Cover photo for METROspectives with HDR's Brian Buchanan
Managementby Alex RomanMay 15, 2026

Managing Complexity: HDR’s Brian Buchanan on Delivering Major Transit Programs

HDR’s transit program management lead discusses the challenges of overseeing large capital projects, adapting to cost and supply chain pressures, and the capabilities agencies need to build for the future.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Operation Lifesaver rail safety grant graphic displayed over railroad tracks, highlighting federal funding for crossing safety and trespass prevention campaigns.
Railby News/Media ReleaseMay 14, 2026

Operation Lifesaver Awards Nearly $198,000 in Rail Safety Grants

Operation Lifesaver and the FHWA awarded nearly $198,000 in grants to 10 state programs for rail safety education campaigns focused on crossing safety, trespass prevention, and public awareness initiatives.

Read More →
STV's Garo Hovnanian
Managementby Alex RomanMay 13, 2026

The Expanding Role of Advisory in Transit Delivery

Garo Hovnanian explores how agencies can better navigate competing priorities, strengthen decision-making, and prepare for a future shaped by electrification and emerging mobility.

Read More →
An image of empty railroad tracks in Minnesota with white text reading "Federal Railroad Administration Finalizes Rail Rules Aimed at Efficiency and Safety."
Railby Staff and News ReportsMay 13, 2026

Federal Railroad Administration Finalizes Rail Rules Aimed at Efficiency and Safety

See what deregulatory rail rules were finalized to reduce outdated requirements, support innovation, and streamline rail operations without compromising safety.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
An NJ TRANSIT bus.
Managementby StaffMay 13, 2026

NJ TRANSIT to Expand Cleanliness, Safety, and Accessibility Under New Action Plan

The plan includes investments in cleaner vehicles and upgraded stations, NJT LiveView to provide real-time GPS tracking of train and light rail service, enhanced safety initiatives through a new Real Time Crime Center, and the debut of a redesigned NJ TRANSIT mobile app.

Read More →