DCTA invites public to help identify transportation needs

The Denton County Transportation Authority invites area residents to attend a public meeting next Monday, June 23 at 6:30 p.m. at Little Elm Town Hall to help shape the county’s transportation priorities beyond 2010.

Since its formation in 2002, DECTA officials note they have worked aggressively to develop public transportation alternatives to meet the growing needs of Denton County. DCTA has launched local bus service in Denton, Lewisville and Highland Village, has established an interim commuter bus service into Dallas and is planning a 21-mile regional rail service running between Denton and Carrollton that is slated to open in late 2010.

“While our focus over the next few years is the planned regional rail service, we are also beginning to identify our future transportation needs and service goals beyond 2010,” said DCTA president John Hedrick.

“This long-range planning process named FastForward will identify long-term transportation solutions and service opportunities along high growth corridors and will detail enhancements to existing services within our member cities.

“This document will program DCTA’s activities, investments and priorities for the next 15 years and will outline the additional revenue needed to complete the plan’s initiatives.” Additional meetings will be held Tuesday, June 24, 6:30 p.m. at the Lewisville Municipal Annex, 1197 W. Main Street, Lewisville; Monday, June 30, at 6:30 p.m. at the Heritage Commons I (Hillwood Office), 1360 Heritage Pkwy, Suite 200, Fort Worth; and Tuesday, July 1 at 6:30 p.m. at the MLK Center, 1300 Wilson St, Denton.

Those unable to attend these public meetings are encouraged to fill out the comment form available online at www.dcta.net/transportationservices.asp or email their thoughts to info@dcta.net.