On Wednesday, Amtrak and Texas Central Partners (Texas Central) announced they would be looking for ways to advance planning and analysis associated with a proposed high-speed rail project between Dallas and Houston.
The two entities have worked together before and are now evaluating a possible partnership to further study and advance the 205-mile per hour high-speed rail project.
“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 High-Speed Rail Development Programs Andy Byford said. “We believe many of the country’s biggest and fastest-growing metropolitan areas, like Houston and Dallas, deserve more high quality high-speed, intercity rail service and we are proud to bring our experience to evaluate this potential project and explore opportunities with Texas Central so the state can meet its full transportation needs.”
Officials said a proposed 240-mile route would connect travelers to two of the top five major U.S. metropolitan areas in a less than 90-minute trip, and would complement future and long-distance service in the southern region.
“This high-speed train, using advanced, proven Shinkansen technology, has the opportunity to revolutionize rail travel in the southern U.S., and we believe Amtrak could be the perfect partner to help us achieve that,” Texas Central CEO Michael Bui said. “We appreciate Amtrak’s continued collaboration and look forward to continuing to explore how we can partner in the development of this important project.”
The two entities have submitted applications to several federal programs in connection with further study and design work for the proposed project, including the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure Safety and Improvements (CRISI) grant program, the Corridor Identification and Development program, and the Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail (FSP-National) grant program.
Officials said the project, when completed, is expected to provide significant social, environmental, employment and economic benefits, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions by more than 100,000 tons per year, and saving 65 million gallons of fuel by removing 12,500 cars per day from I-45.
“Dallas is the engine of the fourth largest and fastest growing region in the nation,” Dallas Mayor Eric L. 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.”