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Will the United States finally get a bullet train? As of yesterday, it’s looking more and more likely.
Yesterday, the Federal Railroad Administration granted its final approval for the Dallas-Houston bullet train. Construction should start next year. I’ve been watching this story over the past few years, wondering if this fast train would ever become a reality.
Texas Central Bullet Train
Texas Central is the company heading up the development and operation of the new train line. It is a private company using private funds.
The trains will use the Tokaido Shinkansen N700 system, which is similar to the train system in Japan between Tokyo and Osaka. Trains can go up to 205 miles per hour.
The journey from Dallas to Houston will take only 90 minutes (compared to 4-5 hours of driving depending on traffic). A stop at Brazos Valley will have a shuttle to Texas A&M University.
Ticket prices will vary based on time of day and how far in advance you purchase. On the top side, a ticket will cost the same as an airline ticket. On the low side, a ticket will cost the same as driving.
A bullet train is currently under development in California between Los Angeles and San Francisco. However, it has experienced numerous delays and its publicly funded.
Final Thoughts
I am very excited about this bullet train project. We have family in the Houston area, and 90 minutes to Houston is a game changer. If any of my kids go to Texas A&M, the bullet train will be very convenient.
I rode on a bullet train in Japan, and it was a smooth, convenient ride. The U.S. is so far behind the rest of the world with train technology and routes. I hope this project is a success and a model for other trains in this country.
Have you been on a bullet train? What cities would you like to see connected by high-speed train?
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Author: Nancy
Nancy lives near Dallas, Texas, with her husband and three kids. Her favorite vacations include the beach, cruising and everything Disney.
Do we know the route? Will it lean over toward Austin? Ideally it would connect Houston, College Station, Austin and then up to Dallas. That would avoid expensive and wasteful drives and flights. Plus, no more flight delays from summer storms when I am trying to connect to my international flight in Houston!
This will become a public project or be bailed out once they realize they will lose tons of money
@Lara S The route will just be Dallas – Houston with one stop at Brazos Valley (connections to A&M). No plans right now for Austin, but I’d love to see DFW-Austin-San Antonio connected.
I’ve been on them numerous times in Japan and they’re definitely competitive with airlines when following the four hour rule.
The northeast corridor in the US could be a good candidate… The line currently served by the Acela, Boston – NYC – Phila – DC would probably take about 3 hours over the current 7 hours. Less hassle than going to Boston-Logan and flying into JFK or IAD if you’re looking to go downtown in either of those cities.
@Jinxed_K I’m surprised the Northeast doesn’t have a bullet train yet!
Congrats. You’re right that the US needs more high speed rail. I think that we should view our rail as Europe does where it’s not there to make money but to provide convenience, reduce congestion, and be more ecologically friendly. In short, infrastructure that’s needed, like the post office rather than a profit center.
@Christian Exactly!
It will lose money for sure
I hope people use it. The highways are way too crowded in Texas.I-45 and I-35 are a mess.