TRA supports lawmakers' bills and resolution to expand passenger rail in Texas

As part of its DNA to encourage the smart development of freight and passengers rail projects in Texas, Texas Rail Advocates has pledged support to inform and educate state legislators on the benefits of a resolution and two bills that have been filed in the upcoming session.

When lawmakers meet in Austin starting Tuesday January 14th, they will be receiving the first of several oversized postcards with a QR code that points to proposed legislation to change the way that Texans can move between our towns and cities in the future.

"Texas Rail Advocates is asking for the public's help to let their elected State Senator and Representative know that it's time to focus on more than just highways," according to TRA President Peter LeCody. "It's time for a paradigm shift in thinking that all we just need is adding another lane to keep Texans moving. If we don't start acting now with multi-modal solutions for our continually growing economy, we will condemn ourselves to perpetual gridlock in the future."

CALL TO ACTION: Know who your elected state leaders are. Click here for your state senator and representative and let them know you support the following pending bills:

House Joint Resolution 58 - Representative John Bucy. A constitutional amendment that would authorize the use of money in the state highway fund for transit-oriented projects. This would be the first time the public would have a say on how transportation funding is distributed other than for highway projects.

89(R) House Bill 483 - Representative John Bucy

89(R) Senate Bill 424 (companion to HB 483) - Senator Sarah Eckhardt

High Speed Intercity Passenger Rail in the I-35 Corridor from Dallas-Fort Worth to San Antonio.

This bill would direct the Texas Department of Transportation to enter into a comprehensive development agreement with a private entity to construct, maintain and operate high-speed rail service between Dallas-Fort Worth and San Antonio along the I-35 travel corridor. The service should reasonably be expected to reach speeds of 110 miles per hour or more. This bill would specifically address the needs of congestion mitigation along the I-35 corridor.