April 15, 2024 - KBTX.com - By Donnie Tuggle and Jadyn Stack -
Rail advocates from across the state are in the DFW Metroplex this week raising awareness for passenger and high-speed rail projects. Both Amtrak and Texas Central are looking to advance railways that could impact Central Texas and the Brazos Valley.
Elected officials and rail advocates, alongside transportation experts, wrapped up day one of the Southwestern Rail Conference, discussing solutions to address the growing need to move people across the Lone Star State.
“Well, this is the 20th anniversary of the Southwestern Rail Conference. It’s the only rail conference held here in Texas every year, and we bring together both the public and private sectors to talk about important rail issues, both freight and passenger,” said Peter LeCody, Texas Rail Advocates President.
While part of the focus is on bringing high-speed rail to the state, there is a renewed push to improve standard passenger service along the I-35 corridor extending through areas like Bryan-College Station. Simply put, advocates say the answer to Texas transportation needs is not more lanes but more trains.