Amtrak and Texas Central announced Wednesday that they’re partnering to explore advance planning and analysis on the proposed Dallas-Houston 205-mph high-speed rail project “to further determine its viability.”

The possibility of a bullet train line between Dallas and Houston seemed to go off the rails a bit in June 2022, when former Texas Central CEO Carlos Aguilar resigned in the run-up to a Texas Supreme Court ruling that some believed would imperil the rail line’s future. But the project got a new breath of life weeks later when the court ruled that Texas Central had “eminent domain authority” to pursue it.

The new announcement from Amtrak and Texas Central just breathed a lot more life into a possible future of bullet trains whizzing back and forth from Dallas to Houston.

“Amtrak has cooperated with Texas Central on various initiatives since 2016 and the two entities are currently evaluating a potential partnership to further study and potentially advance the project,” the companies said Wednesday.

Aiming to ‘revolutionize rail travel in the southern U.S.’

Texas Central rural viaduct rendering [Image: Texas Central]

Texas Central CEO Michael Bui said his company appreciates Amtrak’s continued collaboration and looks forward “to continuing to explore how we can partner in the development of this important project.”

“This high-speed train, using advanced, proven Shinkansen technology, has the opportunity to revolutionize rail travel in the southern U.S.,” Bui added in the statement, “and we believe Amtrak could be the perfect partner to help us achieve that.”

Andy Byford, SVP of high-speed rail development programs at Amtrak, said that “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.”

“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,” Byford asserted in the statement, “and we’re 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.”

Dallas to Houston in under 90 minutes?

Texas Central Dallas platform rendering [Image: Texas Central]

The proposed 240-mile route would feature bullet trains transporting passengers in under 90 minutes “between two of the top five major U.S. metropolitan areas and would complement future, new and improved corridor and long-distance service in the southern region,” the companies said.

Seeking funding from several federal grant programs

As part of the partnership exploration, Amtrak and Texas Central say they’ve submitted applications to several federal programs for further study and design work on the potential Dallas to Houston bullet train line—including the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure Safety and Improvements grant program, the Corridor Identification and Development program, and the Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail grant program.

The companies see the project as offering green, carbon-cutting benefits along with fast travel. Aiming to shift highway and air travelers to speedy rail runs, Amtrak and Texas Central said that when complete, “the project is estimated to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by over 100,000 tons per year, saving 65 million gallons of fuel while removing 12,500 cars per day from I-45.”

Dallas, Houston mayors both on board

Conceptual rendering of a potential Dallas station waiting area for the Texas Central high-speed line [Image: Texas Central]

The statement quoted both metro mayors as being on board for the project.

“Dallas is the engine of the fourth largest and fastest growing region in the nation,” Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson said in the statement. “It’s 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.”

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said that his 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.”

Potential roadblock: Land owners along the 240-mile path

A remaining potential roadblock for the project comes in the form of property owners along the proposed 240-mile route. In October, the Texas Tribune reported that Texas officials still lacked confidence in the project despite the successful eminent domain ruling. And a lawyer for nearly 100 landowners threatened legal action if Texas Central wasn’t more forthcoming about its plans, the Tribune added.

Project estimated to bring ‘thousands of well-paying construction jobs’ along for the ride

Another stakeholder that would welcome bullet trains to Texas? The construction industry. Amtrak and Texas Central estimate that the project would bring “thousands of well-paying construction jobs and nearly one thousand long-term, skilled operations and maintenance positions.”

“The Ironworkers strongly support the Dallas-to-Houston high speed rail project,” Jerry Wilson, president of the Iron Workers District Council of Texas and the Mid South States, said in the statement. “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.”

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