As the Texas State Fair returns this fall, the Denton County Transportation Authority is providing an easy and cost-effective way to get to the fairgrounds: a regional day pass that includes transportation and entry to the fair for $25.

“It’s the easiest way to get to the State Fair, and you don’t have to stress about the traffic or the parking,” said David Magaña, DCTA’s director of marketing and communications.

How it works

The State Fair runs from September 29 to October 22, and DCTA's package deal is available for purchase from September 15 to October 15.

Fairgoers will start the day by boarding the A-train at any one of its five stops: Downtown Denton Transit Center, MedPark Station, Highland Village/Lewisville Lake station, Old Town station or Hebron station. The A-train will take passengers to the Trinity Mills station, where they will make the transition to the DART Green Line light rail. This light rail system takes fairgoers through Dallas, right up to the front gate of the fair.

“We know a lot of people don't make it down to Dallas all that frequently, so this is a really good way to introduce DCTA services to people,” Magaña said.

Where to purchase tickets

1. Online purchase: Visit DCTA's website to buy tickets online. Once purchased, tickets will be mailed within three to five days. Passengers are encouraged to plan accordingly to ensure tickets arrive in time for the fair visit.

2. In-Person purchase: Head to the downtown Denton Transit Center located on Hickory Street in Denton to purchase the regional pass at the ticket information window.

Benefits of using DCTA

In addition to decreasing fairgoer stress, utilizing public transport also benefits the environment.

“Taking cars off the road is part of what we're about,” Magaña said. “The more people who can ride the train, the less we're causing congestion on the roads, the less pollution we're emitting and the less gasoline we're burning.”

Magaña said utilizing DCTA’s services is ideal for families heading to the fair. He said DCTA tries to make the journey as easy as possible to help the Denton community access and enjoy all that the region has to offer.

“We're just going to let you enjoy the ride and be with your family as you head down there,” he said. “The train rides are very peaceful. It's a good way to spend a day.”

What passengers need to know

Equipped with ramps and spaces for wheelchairs, all DCTA train platforms are fully accessible for passengers with disabilities. For passengers who plan to drive and park their car at a DCTA station, Magaña recommended the Medpark station.

“We highly recommend going to the Medpark station and catching the train there,” he said. “We have plenty of parking there.”

While the package deal is designed to get passengers to the State Fair effortlessly, it also provides an opportunity to explore the Dallas area.

"We just want people to be able to see the benefit of public transit and see the benefit of letting someone else do the driving,” Magaña said.

To take advantage of DCTA’s services and plan your trip to the fair, go here.

The above story was produced by Multi-platform Journalist Mary Katherine Shapiro with Community Impact's Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.