Brady PieperThe Texas High-Speed Rail Project has received renewed support following an economic study on the proposed railway’s Dallas-to-Houston and Dallas-to-Fort Worth routes.
The new study, commissioned in June 2024 by the Dallas City Council, analyzes the economic viability and urban integration of the long-awaited public transportation project. Conducted by the Boston Consulting Group, researchers provide a positive outlook on a project that has seen decreasing federal support.
Texas’ high-speed rail initiative seeks to connect some of the state’s most populous hubs, including Dallas, Houston and Fort Worth. The project introduces the development of a high-speed bullet train and supporting infrastructure that could transport riders between the cities in less than 90 minutes.
States, cities and municipalities throughout the country are considering the feasibility of high-speed rail initiatives, including projects in California, Florida, Washington State and Illinois. High-speed rail lines provide an efficient travel option for passengers as well as represent significant public and private funding opportunities.
Researchers for the Dallas-based study evaluated three primary route alternatives for the proposed line and a low-cost option to improve connectivity were the rail project shelved or abandoned.
The first proposed route, from Dallas to Houston, would carry the highest price tag, $30 billion. Supplementing these costs, the line would be expected to generate a $5 billion annual increase in Texas’ gross domestic product and create thousands of jobs in the region.
The study also explores an extension to the high-speed route, extending from the Dallas station to a location in Fort Worth. This proposed line, passing through Arlington, is anticipated to cost $6 billion and enhance regional access for millions of Texans.
The final route option contained in the study evaluates a downtown connectivity expansion, connecting Dallas to Dallas Love Field and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. Estimated to cost $4.3 billion, the expansion would be expected to generate approximately $300 million in annual GDP and create 1,600 new jobs.
The high-speed rail line, if constructed, is anticipated to create over 28,300 jobs during the first full year of operations, according to the study. Within that time frame, the study estimates the system could transport up to 6.5 million riders.
As an alternative option, the study suggests overhauling the Trinity Railway Express line, which currently operates between Dallas and Fort Worth.
While the study shows support for the initiative, federal support for a high-speed rail project has dwindled. In April, the Trump Administration stripped an existing $63.9 million grant from the project, which was previously obligated through the federal Corridor Identification and Development program.
Despite this, city officials express support for the project and methods to secure additional funding, according to an update presented to the council committee.
The Texas High-Speed Rail Project will continue the environmental and engineering review process while local, state and federal agencies evaluate the initiative. Project planning and design could begin as early as next year, if legislative support and funding are secured.
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