The proposed high-speed rail line linking Dallas and Houston isn't a done deal but it has the support of several key figures.
The 240-mile railway would allow travel between the two cities in as little as 90 minutes, far faster than flying considering the time spent at the airport.
According to figures produced by Amtrak and Dallas-based Texas Central, the alternative travel option would also reduce the number of cars traveling on Interstate 45 by 12,500 per day and cut annual greenhouse gas emissions by more than 100,000 tons.
The Biden administration expressed support for the proposal as recently as last month. "We believe in this," said Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. "Obviously, it has to turn into a more specific design and vision, but everything I've seen makes me very excited."
Unfortunately, the proposed rail project is being met with resistance from the state of Texas.
"This high-speed train, using advanced, proven Shinkansen technology (from Japan), 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," Texas Central CEO Michael Bui said in a statement last summer.
"We appreciate Amtrak's continued collaboration and look forward to continuing to explore how we can partner in the development of this important project."
Amtrak remains optimistic.
"This is very much a project that Amtrak is now leading," added Amtrak senior vice president Andy Byford, according to Newsweek. "I have to make sure that in any recommendation I give to my CEO and to my board, that it is a project that is worthwhile pursuing. And right now, having looked at the revenue forecasts and done our due diligence to date, I still think that is the case. That again, though, does not mean that it's a done deal."
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