Writer: Joshua Andino
2 min read August 2023 — Earlier last week, Amtrak and Texas Central Partners (“Texas Central”) announced a partnership aimed to study and eventually even potentially develop the proposed high-speed rail connection between Houston and Dallas.
“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’s Senior Vice President of High-Speed Rail Development Programs, Andy Byford, said in a statement. “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.”
While the project has been revived, its development has not always been guaranteed.
Texas Central has worked on the rail link between two of the country’s largest economies since as far back as 2013, and as recently as 2021 in which a $16 billion contract was signed with Milan, Italy-based engineering contractor Webuild. Six rural counties would later file suit to prevent construction, and the Texas legislature promptly passed a law prohibiting the state from spending on the project.
The latest chapter in Texas Partners attempts to develop HSR between the two areas have it collaborating with Amtrak, submitting applications to federal programs that include the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure Safety and Improvements Grant program and the Corridor Identification and Development program, as well as the Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail (FSP-National) grant program.
High-speed rail generally runs on separated rights of way at speeds of over 120 mph.
“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. “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 move is the sign of continued interest in developing HSR across the country as a means to alleviate intercity traffic and provide more environmentally friendly modes of transportation. California has spent the last decade developing its own HSR project to the tune of up to $99 billion dollars and numerous delays. By contrast, Florida worked alongside private operator Brightline to provide a high-speed rail link between Miami and West Palm Beach. While the system does not generally meet the criteria for HSR, it nevertheless provides a successful proof of concept, with its Orlando leg to open in September. Brightline aims to break ground on a new rail link that aims to connect Las Vegas and Los Angeles, dubbed “Brightline West” later this year in Nevada.
The U.S.’s only true HSR route is Amtrak’s ACELA corridor, running from Boston to Washington D.C. at up to 150 mph and just under seven hours.
Texas Partner’s and Amtrak’s use of federal funds aims to leverage the billions of dollars the Biden Administration is making available for rail infrastructure upgrades and development, and should the project proceed, may provide numerous jobs and billions of dollars of investment throughout the proposed corridor. “Not only is it safe and green, but it will provide hundreds of highly skilled, good paying jobs for our members as we transport, erect and install the infrastructure,” said Jerry Wilson, president of the Iron Workers District Council of Texas and the Mid South States.
“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.”
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