HOUSTON – Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner on Thursday discussed the plan for a high-speed rail system that connects the city to Dallas.
“As I shared in my State of Mobility address, Houston needs a paradigm shift - a comprehensive approach to mobility that includes all forms of transportation,” Turner said. “Certainly, a high-speed train to Dallas is a glowing idea among the options, especially when state transportation officials project traffic congestion on Interstate 45 between Houston and Dallas will double by 2035, increasing travel time from about four hours to more than six and a half hours. Simply building more highways is not the answer.”
Turner signed a "memorandum of understanding" with the Texas Central Railway during a ceremony at City Hall. He said the memo allows city leaders to begin gathering details about the project and makes preparations for council members to vote on items related to it.
"It's an idea whose time has come," Turner said.
WATCH: Mayor Turner announces paradigm shift in Houston transportation
Driving from Houston to Dallas on Interstate 45 takes about four hours right now. Turner said projections increase that one-way trip to six hours on the freeway.
The bullet train would make the 240-mile trip in 90 minutes, with a stop near College Station.
Texas Central will consult with the city on finalizing the site for Houston's passenger station. The general area south of U.S. 290, west of the 610 Loop and north of I-10, is being discussed.
The station would be located near major employment centers in the city.
“Over the project’s entire history – from conception to development, and now into the construction phase – Texas Central has had a strong partnership with the city of Houston,” Tim Keith, president of Texas Central, said.
WATCH: Mayor Sylvester Turner on Houston high-speed train
Turner said the city will work with Texas Central to ensure there's a wide choice of transportation options to get into the Houston area from the train station.
Drayton McLane Jr., a member of the Texas Central board of directors and former owner of the Houston Astros, said the project is a game-changer - a new transportation choice that’s fast, safe, reliable and productive.
“The bullet train is the next great deal for Texas. This demonstrates how the free market can play an integral part in addressing America’s enormous infrastructure opportunities. The agreement continues the project’s momentum and shows the nation—and the rest of the world—how Texas does big things the right way for the public good,” McLane said.
