Fort Worth, TX – According to the city officials, due to equipment issues, the train has not operated since March 2022.
Fort Worth Park & Recreation Department staff members encouraged Forest Park Rides to repair the train so it can run again.
However, due to lack of progress, the City issued a notice of default to the contractor last October.
The contract allows 60 days to address contractual breaches. Upon request from the operator, the deadline was previously extended to March 27.
Due to longer than expected times for equipment repairs and material delivery, the deadline to resume train operations has been extended.
One material delay is the purchase of 1,000 new railroad ties, which have an eight- to ten-week delivery time due to a backlog with lumber purchases. They will be used to reinforce and replace old ties.
The operator has shared photos of refurbished train cars and engines, as well as an itemized list of expenses already incurred to get the train back on track.
After reviewing the new request and documents, City staff was satisfied with the vendor’s progress and recommended an additional extension, said Dave Lewis, interim director of the Park & Recreation Department.
The extended deadline to be fully operational and provide all required documentation is June 30.
