January 30, 2026 - TRA Newswire -
How to connect the growing Rio Grande Valley into future intercity passenger rail corridors was the aim of the RGV International Rail Conference held in Mission, Texas this week.
Former Mission Mayor Dr. Armando Ocana, unveiled the concept "Texas Diamond Rail Corridor", how cities in the Rio Grande Valley would be connected to San Antonio, Houston and Dallas by intercity rail services.
The conference, hosted by RGV Rail Advocates, showcased how the region's freight rail infrastructure and future rights of way could be upgraded for high-speed, high-performance and regional rail services for the movement of both people and goods.
According to the RGV Rail Advocates "Currently, the Rio Grande Valley is behind other Texas areas which have a more robust passenger and freight rail infrastructure. RGV Rail Advocates will aggressively pursue development where it makes sense, where it is feasible and where RGV citizens want it - and make it happen with good economic sense."
Pilot projects were discussed to link cities from Rio Grande Velley in the western section of the region toward Brownsville and toward South Padre Island.
Paul Bertanzetti, President of RGV Rail Advocates, called for the establishment of a regional rail authority, a first step in uniting the various municipalities in this region of some 3 million residents.
A presentation from the Hidalgo County Regional Mobility Authority (HCRMA) announced the a future west loop highway would allow right-of-way for future passenger and freight rail development.
Officials from Mexico at the conference expressed interest in tying in any future passenger rail service with international connections to the Texass border.
Jean-Pierre Arduin, former French National Railways executive, spoke about development of other high-speed rail projects he has been involved with worldwide. He also discussed how freight and passenger trains have been able to sucessfully co-exist on rail lines in other countries.
Photo credit: Texas Rail Advocates