The United States’ largest rail company, Amtrak, reported it is exploring the possibility of connecting Dallas and Houston via high-speed rail by partnering with Texas Central.
“If we are going to add more high-speed rail to this country, the Dallas to Houston Corridor is a compelling proposition and offers great potential,” Amtrak Senior Vice President of HighSpeed Rail Development Programs Andy Byford said in a press release.
According to Dallas Mayor Eric L. Johnson’s statement in the same press release, the high-speed rail line would revolutionize transportation, drive economic development, and improve connectivity for Texas.
“Dallas is the engine of the fourth largest and fastest-growing region in the nation,” Johnson said. “It is bold, innovative endeavors like this that will propel Dallas toward an even more prosperous future. A high-speed rail line would revolutionize transportation in our region, serve as a catalyst for economic growth, and enhance connectivity among Texas residents and businesses.”
According to the Texas Central website, plans would call for a 240-mile high-speed rail network and Japanese N700 Series Shinkansen trains traveling at more than 200 mph to transport commuters between Houston and Dallas/Fort Worth in less than 90 minutes.
Nearly 100,000 Texans are “super-commuters” (travel back and forth between Houston and Dallas/Fort Worth more than once a week). Chief investment officer for Texas Central, Tim Keith, believes that these citizens require advanced railroad infrastructure to provide them with the freedom necessary to travel.
“More Texans are on the move,” Keith said in an interview with Business Wire said. The study shows again that, urban Texans are leaving their cars behind and demanding greater mobility choices, proving travelers want a better and more predictable way to travel. The Texas high-speed train will give Texans the freedom and time through short, predictable, and productive trips.”
According to Texas Central’s alignment maps, after departing from The Cedars in Dallas (North Texas station), the finished railway will travel through Ellis, Navarro, Limestone, Freestone, Leon, Madison, and Grimes before stopping at Brazos Valley Station. It will then pass through Waller and arrive in Houston (Houston station) at its final destination.
Texas Central plans to have a diverse array of retail outlets, dining establishments, and shops in the stations. These stations are strategically positioned for convenient access to major roads, public transit links, and ample on-site parking facilities.
“The station is sure to help local establishments, continue our organic growth, and support our cultural amenities,” Phillip Robinson, president of the Cedars Neighborhood Association said in a media release. “We are very excited to be a part of such an amazing project.”
For many Redhawks, the high-speed train would enhance the Texan landscape.
“I think the high-speed train is a great addition for frequent travelers like me,” sophomore Rupal Shirpurkar said. “I often visit the Houston Space Station, so this train will undoubtedly make my trips faster and much more convenient.”
However, sophomore Alex James believes a high-speed train would bring a financial burden on taxpayers.
“It’ll be socially profitable, but it’ll cost taxpayers money, so I’m not too happy about it,” James said.
