The proposal for a 90-minute train running from Houston to Dallas traces a decade back to 2012, according to ABC13. After a series of issues consisting of leadership changes and land rights, however, the project seemed to have derailed.
This past Wednesday, however, negotiations between Texas Central Partners and Amtrak renewed the possibility for a potential partnership in advancement of the 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,” said Amtrak Senior Vice President of High-Speed Rail Development Programs Andy Byford in a press release.
“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.”
According to ABC13, officials initially estimated that the project would be completed in 2020. That initiative was of course drastically delayed until September 2020, when it garnered two major approvals. Since then, however, there’s been little word regarding the future of the project.
The proposal was to build a train modeled after Japanese Tokaido Shinkansen high-speed rail system that would be filled with “first-class” features, that was capable of taking commuters from Houston to Dallas and vice versa in 90 minutes.
“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,” said Texas Central Chief Executive Officer Michael Bui.
Presently, the two parties have submitted application to associated federal programs in furtherance of the 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.
“The collaboration between Texas Central and Amtrak is an important milestone for the City of Houston and this project,” said Mayor Sylvester Turner of Houston.
“Our city is committed to advancing transportation initiatives that support economic growth and enhance quality of life for our residents. The potential partnership of these two companies will accelerate the planning and analysis necessary for the successful implementation of a modern, efficient, and environmentally sustainable rail system connecting Houston and Dallas. I commend all parties involved for their dedication to this transformative project.”
Stay tuned for more details.