Texas planners are eager for a six-minute trip between Fort Worth and Dallas. But the Dallas Morning News is wary of the hype.
The North Central Texas COG's Regional Transportation Council is considering two major proposals for high-speed travel from Dallas to Forth: a bullet train or a hyperloop.
In the plan from Texas Central Railway, a proposed high-speed rail route from Houston to Dallas would be extended to include Fort Worth, offering connections to Amtrak. The hyperloop proposal comes from Virgin Hyperloop One, which promises to reduce the 30-mile trip between Dallas and Fort Worth to six minutes.
Given those choices, the editorial team of the Dallas Morning News urges caution in the face of hype. Even high-speed rail may not be economically viable for the corridor, the writers argue, let alone an advanced technology whose operations are currently confined to a single testing facility.
Noting that the environmental impact statement alone will take at least two years and cost $5 million, they add, "That's a lot of money to study technology that could change in the meantime and for a region that is growing so quickly that its needs will likely change even before the study is finished."
For more information on the dueling proposals, see coverage from the Star-Telegram.
FULL STORY: The hyperloop is Silicon Valley's proposed high-speed transportation, but Texas should hold off for now
Dallas Brainstorms Multimodal Hub to Accompany High-Speed Rail
With a Dallas-Houston bullet train proposal proceeding apace, a complementary idea is now on the table: a multimodal transit hub linking Amtrak, transit, and even Hyperloop.
North Texas Transportation Council Advocates for Road Safety, Rail Projects
The North Texas Regional Transportation Council issued a series of recommendations for state legislators that include more support for road safety projects and high-speed rail.
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.
Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?
Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.
Understanding Road Diets
An explainer from Momentum highlights the advantages of reducing vehicle lanes in favor of more bike, transit, and pedestrian infrastructure.
New California Law Regulates Warehouse Pollution
A new law tightens building and emissions regulations for large distribution warehouses to mitigate air pollution and traffic in surrounding communities.
Phoenix Announces Opening Date for Light Rail Extension
The South Central extension will connect South Phoenix to downtown and other major hubs starting on June 7.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Caltrans
Smith Gee Studio
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service