Friday night A-train service may not be finished just yet.
Denton County Transportation Authority board members are expected to revisit the matter and vote again, thanks to a request from small-cities representative Bill Walker.
“If someone voted against a measure that ultimately failed, they can ask for reconsideration,” said Dee Leggett, vice president of communication and planning for DCTA. “Walker, who originally voted against the proposal on [continuing] Friday night service, has now requested this item be placed on the agenda for reconsideration.”
The May vote was 6-5 to end the underperforming Friday night service after June 30, despite staff recommendations to keep it going with adjusted hours to reach more potential riders.
Two board members were absent from the meeting.
DCTA President Jim Cline said the agency is prepared to conform to the will of the board, whatever the decision, and move forward from there.
Should the board vote to keep the service, the passenger line would continue on its regular schedule until schedule changes could be implemented Aug. 20.
Denton City Council member Kevin Roden, who lobbied to keep the Friday night service, was encouraged by news of the review, but he was reluctant to speculate on the outcome of another vote.
“I know better than to try and anticipate where the board will come down on this,” he said. “I and a lot of other people were surprised on the way they voted last time.”
Keeping a Friday night service option is a key part of a comprehensive transportation plan for the region, he said. The fact that someone who voted to end the service wants to review it suggests that he is interested in changing his vote, Roden said.
“I am encouraged. I think there are enough people on the board, and certainly the staff, that want to do the right thing,” he said. “We need to stick with Friday night and make it better and continue to expand, not take it back.”
The board meeting is scheduled for 3 p.m. today at 1660 S. Interstate 35E in Lewisville.
BJ LEWIS can be reached at 940-566-6875. His e-mail address is blewis@dentonrc.com .
