Texas Central Railway Could Have “Massive Positive Impact”

Amtrak took the lead on the proposed high-speed rail project, which would connect Houston and Dallas in less than 90 minutes.

1 minute read

November 19, 2024, 9:00 AM PST

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Close-up of front of blue locomotive with Amtrak logo.

IanDewarPhotography / Adobe Stock

Amtrak senior vice president of high-speed rail development Andy Byford says the proposed high-speed rail line that would connect two major Texas cities could have “a massive positive impact to the Texan economy, which will benefit the whole of Texas.”

Writing in Smart Cities Dive, Dan Zukowski explains how the project, begun by private company Texas Central, is now being spearheaded by Amtrak. “Amtrak advanced the project to the third phase of the FRA’s Corridor Identification Program on Sept. 11, which enables Amtrak to coordinate with the FRA on preliminary engineering and environmental review.”

 However, the project, which has an estimated cost of $30 billion, still faces hurdles including land acquisition and funding before it can become a reality.

Monday, November 18, 2024 in Smart Cities Dive

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