Texas Transit Association

Executive search begins for DCTA leader, and two planned rail stations dropped from plan.

DCTA drops plans for two train stops
By Kelly Melhart
Star-Telegram Staff Writer Nov. 19, 2003

HIGHLAND VILLAGE - Two train stops have been pulled from a planned Denton County commuter rail line.

The Copper Canyon and Corinth stops were removed in an update of the Denton County Transportation Auth-ority’s plan discussed Tuesday by the authority’s board of directors.

Because voters in those communities did not approve a half-cent sales tax to fund the authority, they cannot receive services.

In September, voters in Lewisville, Denton and Highland Village approved the sales tax, which will generate about $300 million over several years. Most of the money will pay for commuter rail between Denton and Carrollton, where trains will meet with Dallas Area Rapid Transit light rail for service to Dallas.

The preferred train route will run along Interstate 35E.

Under the updated plan, Lewisville will get a station two to three years before Denton. Highland Village residents will be served by the Lewisville station. The line is scheduled to be completed by 2013.

Also Tuesday, the board hired San Francisco transportation consultant Carmen Clark to head the organization’s search for an executive director.

Clark will receive up to $21,000 to recruit and interview candidates. The new executive director will replace McDonald Transit, which has managed the authority.

Board Chairman Charles Emery said that under McDonald, the DCTA continued to rely on himself and Vice Chairman Joe Roy to represent the agency, significantly cutting into their personal time. Both men are private consultants.

Emery said the board will continue to consult with McDonald about transportation issues.