Amtrak, Texas Central explore bullet train partnership

Why it matters: The proposed route would shave hours off the time it normally takes to get between the two cities by car or bus.

• Think of a leisurely 90-minute train ride versus four or five hours battling traffic.
• Plus, Amtrak says the train would save 100,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions per year and take 12,500 cars off Interstate 45 per day.

Current designs call for a station in Houston at the defunct Northwest Mall, a stop in the Brazos Valley and a stop south of downtown Dallas.

Details: The two entities have already submitted joint applications for federal grants to fund studies and design work on the route.

• Those grant applications are for the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure Safety and Improvements, the Corridor Identification and Development, and the Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail programs.

What they're saying: "The collaboration between Texas Central and Amtrak is an important milestone for the city of Houston and this project," Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said in a statement. "Our city is committed to advancing transportation initiatives that support economic growth and enhance quality of life for our residents."

• "Dallas is the engine of the fourth-largest and fastest-growing region in the nation," Dallas Mayor Eric L. Johnson said in a statement. "It is bold, innovative endeavors like this that will propel Dallas toward an even more prosperous future."

State of play: The Texas Supreme Court ruled in 2022 that Texas Central is allowed to use eminent domain to secure right-of-way for the railroad.

• A series of bills aimed at creating more financial transparency from the private company failed during Texas' 2023 legislative session.

Editor's note: This story has been corrected to reflect that a new partnership between Amtrak and Texas Central is being evaluated, not already in place.