New Bills Aim to Bring High-Speed Rail to Texas I-35 Corridor by 2025

Texas lawmakers are pushing for the development of high-speed rail along the Interstate 35 corridor, with new bills filed to support the initiative. State Representative John Bucy III (D-Austin) introduced House Bill 483 on November 12, advocating for state funding to help create a rail system connecting Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio. Bucy highlighted the importance of enhancing transportation options to keep pace with the state’s rapid growth, especially along the vital I-35 corridor that serves as a key economic hub.

In a statement to KXAN, Bucy emphasized that Texans deserve robust travel and commuting choices. “The I-35 corridor is central to work and recreation in the state, and high-speed rail is a logical option for connecting these major cities,” Bucy said. He added that the rail system could allow people to live in Dallas, attend a meeting in Austin, have dinner in San Antonio, and return home without the burden of traffic or airport security delays.

Joining Bucy in the effort, State Senator Sarah Eckhardt (D-Austin) filed Senate Bill 424 on November 21, which mirrors Bucy’s House bill. Both bills propose a partnership between the Texas Department of Transportation and a private company to build and operate the high-speed rail line, which would travel at speeds of at least 110 miles per hour.

This rail proposal has garnered support from local leaders, including Travis County Judge Andy Brown and Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai, who held a joint press conference in September to discuss the Texas Passenger Rail Advisory Committee. The committee is advocating for expanded rail funding during the 2025 legislative session, which begins in January.

If approved, the I-35 rail corridor would complement ongoing high-speed rail projects in Texas, such as the Dallas to Houston route. The Texas Central Partners are currently developing a 240-mile rail line designed to connect the two cities in under 90 minutes.

However, not all lawmakers are in favor of the proposal. Representative Cody Harris (R-Palestine) filed House Bill 1402 on November 19, which seeks to prohibit the use of public funds for any high-speed rail projects. His bill would block any state spending for the construction, maintenance, or operation of private high-speed rail systems.

Both Bucy’s and Eckhardt’s bills are set to take effect on September 1, 2025, if passed and signed into law.

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