Texas Rail Advocates urges legislature to prioritize development of rail between sessions
May 31st, 2019
May 31, 2019 - TRA Newswire -
An Interim Charge would allow for the exploration of rail options
Move would ensure that Texas Department of Transportation would be ready to apply for federal cost-share funding and to pursue partnerships
The 2019 legislative session contained many positive signs for rail networks in Texas, but Texas Rail Advocates believes that more can be done to strengthen the position of rail travel in the state. Though the legislative session recently concluded, Texas Rail Advocates is calling upon top legislative leaders to include an Interim Charge that would require the Texas Department of Transportation to study and implement passenger rail corridors.
“Texas must take a future-oriented approach to transportation if the state hopes to remain an attractive relocation destination for companies and the next generation of employees,” said Texas Rail Advocates President Peter LeCody. “We cannot afford to tread water by maintaining the status quo if we are to remain competitive. The Legislature can help more Texans understand the benefits of rail travel if it will include an Interim Charge to mandate further study by the Texas Department of transportation.”
Developing corridors for passenger rail travel is a well-tested tactic for reducing highway congestion and allowing for safer, more sustainable travel. Rail also moves passengers more efficiently, meaning that every TXDOT dollar which is allocated to rail systems will have a greater impact.
This action is necessary because taxpayer funds are currently distributed overwhelmingly towards highways. In fact, highways received about 99 percent of the money that TXDOT allocates for transportation funds, severely limiting the options of those that would like to see other viable transportation ecosystems in the state.
Texas’ over reliance on highways has led to severe congestion in a number of critical areas, including the San Antonio-Austin corridor, the I-35 corridor DFW/South Texas and the I-20 corridor which connects the DFW metropolitan area to East Texas. Several lawmakers have publicly spoken up about the need to address the vital Austin-San Antonio corridor, as increased congestion has complicated travel between the two cities.
While interest groups fight to maintain an antiquated status quo, Texas Rail Advocates remains committed to seeking out innovative transportation alternatives that make sense for all Texans.
An Interim Charge would allow for the exploration of rail options
Move would ensure that Texas Department of Transportation would be ready to apply for federal cost-share funding and to pursue partnerships
The 2019 legislative session contained many positive signs for rail networks in Texas, but Texas Rail Advocates believes that more can be done to strengthen the position of rail travel in the state. Though the legislative session recently concluded, Texas Rail Advocates is calling upon top legislative leaders to include an Interim Charge that would require the Texas Department of Transportation to study and implement passenger rail corridors.
“Texas must take a future-oriented approach to transportation if the state hopes to remain an attractive relocation destination for companies and the next generation of employees,” said Texas Rail Advocates President Peter LeCody. “We cannot afford to tread water by maintaining the status quo if we are to remain competitive. The Legislature can help more Texans understand the benefits of rail travel if it will include an Interim Charge to mandate further study by the Texas Department of transportation.”
Developing corridors for passenger rail travel is a well-tested tactic for reducing highway congestion and allowing for safer, more sustainable travel. Rail also moves passengers more efficiently, meaning that every TXDOT dollar which is allocated to rail systems will have a greater impact.
This action is necessary because taxpayer funds are currently distributed overwhelmingly towards highways. In fact, highways received about 99 percent of the money that TXDOT allocates for transportation funds, severely limiting the options of those that would like to see other viable transportation ecosystems in the state.
Texas’ over reliance on highways has led to severe congestion in a number of critical areas, including the San Antonio-Austin corridor, the I-35 corridor DFW/South Texas and the I-20 corridor which connects the DFW metropolitan area to East Texas. Several lawmakers have publicly spoken up about the need to address the vital Austin-San Antonio corridor, as increased congestion has complicated travel between the two cities.
While interest groups fight to maintain an antiquated status quo, Texas Rail Advocates remains committed to seeking out innovative transportation alternatives that make sense for all Texans.