City leaders in the Dallas-Fort Worth area are exploring the possibility of a high-speed rail connection linking the metroplex. Fort Worth recently approved spending up to $75,000 for an economic impact analysis of a proposed high-speed rail route to Dallas, joining forces with Arlington, which plans to contribute about $183,750 to help quantify the economic benefits of connecting North Texas’ three largest cities along the Interstate 30 corridor with bullet train service.
Dallas officials have already approved $567,000 for their own separate economic impact study last year.
The initiative represents a significant step forward for regional transportation planning as the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex prepares for explosive population growth. According to projections from the North Central Texas Council of Governments, the North Texas population is expected to double from 8 million to more than 15 million by 2050, putting increased pressure on existing transportation infrastructure.
The proposed Tarrant County line would eventually connect with the larger Houston-to-Dallas high-speed rail project “Texas Central,” a private venture led by Fort Worth-based investor Kleinheinz Capital Partners Inc. If completed, the system would transport passengers at approximately 140 mph along the 271-mile route from Houston to Fort Worth, making it the world’s second-fastest train after a Chinese rail project.
Both Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker and Arlington Mayor Jim Ross have expressed strong support for the project.
