Dallas Gears Up for High-Speed Rail Hub with Fort Worth Connection

Dallas explores plans for a High-Speed Rail hub connecting Houston and Fort Worth. The century-old Union Station may transform into a transportation hub, marking a significant step in the revival of the dormant Dallas to Houston high-speed rail project.

Dallas is making strides towards becoming a high-speed rail hub, with plans to connect Houston and Fort Worth. The focus is on repurposing the historic Eddie Bernice Johnson Union Station into a surface transportation hub, linking various modes with the nearby high-speed rail terminal.

City Council Members in Dallas recently discussed the latest plans, expressing excitement about being at the forefront of the high-speed rail launch. The initiative hinges on progressing with the Dallas to Houston high-speed rail project, now revitalized with AMTRAK’s partnership with Texas Central.

Michael Morris, North Central Texas Council of Governments regional transportation director, highlighted the momentum and federal recognition the project has gained. The proposed route includes a station south of I-30 in the Cedars neighborhood, near Downtown Dallas, with federal approval for the Dallas to Houston leg.

An animation showcased an automated moving sidewalk connecting Fort Worth tracks to a renovated Union Station. The Fort Worth leg envisions a station in Arlington, offering a connection to DFW Airport, positioning Dallas as a central hub.

While some support the plans for enhanced connectivity, concerns linger, including potential opposition along the route and the preference for private funding. The owners of the former Reunion Arena site advocate for a subway instead of a rail path, raising questions about the project’s viability.

As Dallas aims to lead the nation in high-speed rail, continuous scrutiny and decision-making lie ahead, with questions about cost and AMTRAK’s commitment to the Houston leg still on the table. The city remains at the forefront of an ambitious vision that could reshape transportation in North Texas.