DCTA to offer free A-train rides for college students

In a bid to boost ridership, the Denton County Transportation Authority (DCTA) next month will roll out a program to provide free A-train commuter-rail service for local college students, faculty and staff.

The promotion will run from Aug. 27 through Jan. 14, 2019. The agency is providing the free rides along its entire A-train alignment between the Trinity Mills Station in Carrollton, Texas, and the Downtown Denton Transit Center.

"Our university partners are a significant component to our business," said DCTA President Jim Cline in a press release. "This promotion provides an opportunity for DCTA to give back to some of our valued partners and align our efforts with our ongoing strategic plan and immediate goal to increase ridership."

To ride for free, passengers need to a present a valid university identification card to A-train operators. Riders will still need to purchase fares to transfer to the Dallas Area Rapid Transit's Green Line at the Trinity Mills Station.

DCTA launched a similar free-ride promotion in August 2017, although that program was open to all riders.