Fort Worth Traffic
Every Nov. 8, as I celebrate another year of life, I am haunted by the grim shadow of the preceding day. It was Nov. 7, 2000, that a pattern of tragedy on Texas roadways began to emerge, one that has since claimed 79,000 lives. This figure transcends mere data; it is a harrowing echo of the perils that lurk on our streets, a consequence of an overreliance on personal vehicles within our transportation infrastructure. Just yesterday, a world day of remembrance took place at the Texas State Capitol, where advocates participated in a vigil that honored the 4,167 people who perished in car crashes in Texas over the last 12 months.
Despite technological strides in vehicle safety and road design, the death toll remains a sobering constant, prompting us to question our approach. Are we ensnared in a cycle of redundancy, expecting change while repeating the same flawed strategies?
To disrupt this lethal loop, we must champion alternative transportation methods that uphold safety, promote efficiency, and embrace sustainability. My advocacy for a transformative, multimodal transportation network took root in 2010, fueled by fervent discussions around the city's streetcar initiative. Although that endeavor did not materialize, it catalyzed a broader conversation, leading to significant enhancements in our rail systems. The path to a safer, more resilient transportation future lies not in incremental improvements, but in a bold reimagining of how we move through our cities and our lives.
Drawing from my experience on the Fort Worth City Council and as the executive director of Community Design Fort Worth, my commitment to transforming our city's transportation landscape is unwavering. Serving on the Mayor’s Urban Rail Committee, I continue to be at the forefront of advocating for economic development and tourism through improved transit solutions. My vision is clear: to establish a comprehensive multimodal transportation network that not only offers diverse travel options but also significantly cuts down traffic-related fatalities and democratizes access to employment and essential services.
In our pursuit of a more connected region, we aim to alleviate the financial burden of car ownership, which, according to AAA's 2022 estimate, stands at an annual cost of $10,728. This initiative is not just about cost savings; it is about enhancing the quality of life for all our residents. My dedication is further reflected in my active participation in key strategic projects like Trinity Metro's varied transit services, the forward-thinking Re/Imagine Fort Worth 2050 Comprehensive Plan, and the groundbreaking Move A Million Plan.
The latter initiative is particularly close to my heart, as it addresses the urgent need for Complete Streets and adheres to the Vision Zero policy, challenging the grim reality that Texas has endured daily roadway fatalities for over twenty years. This distressing fact compels us to take decisive action towards a safer, more inclusive urban environment. Together, let us champion this transformative journey, fostering a city that is not only safer but also more sustainable and equitable for future generations. Join me in this critical mission for a better tomorrow.
Ann Zadeh is the executive director of Community Design Fort Worth, a nonprofit dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Fort Worth communities through intelligent and sustainable city planning. A former City Council Representative who served Fort Worth's District 9 from 2014 to 2020, Zadeh is currently a member of Mayor Mattie Parker's Urban Rail Committee Supporting Economic Development & Tourism, established in May of this year.
