April 8, 2025 - Fortworthreport.org, Eric E. Garcia -

Rapid growth in Texas’ five largest cities — and in between — is among the reasons state transportation officials are studying several transit options, including passenger rail improvements.

The Texas Department of Transportation, which has about 800 employees statewide, doesn’t just deal with roads but also oversees transportation planning and oversight of rail, maritime and aviation operations among its five divisions.

“We’re responsible for a lot more than highways,” Caroline Mays, TxDOT’s director of planning and modal programs, told attendees of the 21st annual Southwestern Rail Conference in Hurst.

Added Jeff Davis, the agency’s rail division director: “We say modes, not roads.

Read more: https://fortworthreport.org/2025/04/08/texas-officials-study-transportation-rail-options-as-roads-get-more-congested/

Photo credit: Ken Fitzgerald. Pictured left to right: Caroline Mays, TxDOT; Moderator Joe Black; Jeff Davis, TxDOT