Mike Rawlings: Get on board with high-speed rail
RAWLINGS (Mike Rawlings) Texas is on the verge of a transformative development: a high-speed rail link between Dallas/ Fort Worth and Houston. This is a time... Texas is on the verge of a transformative development: a high-speed rail link between Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston, a project that aims to connect the city's four-county metropolitan region and five-largest Houston. The project is designed to unify economic powerhouses, foster innovation and celebrate cultural diversity. It is expected to carry 6 million passengers between Dallas and Houston by 2029 and carry 13 million by 2050, which will enhance business and leisure travel, attract tourists and support local businesses and jobs. Amtrak's involvement is seen as a significant endorsement of federal support, indicating the project's potential as a model for future high-distance rail initiatives across the country. The decision to support the project will impact Dallas’ future and its standing as a city for generations.
نشرت : قبل شهر بواسطة Mike Rawlings في Politics Finance
Texas is on the verge of a transformative development: a high-speed rail link between Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston. This is a time for all of us to come together to make this a reality. Whether you are an elected official, a real estate developer, a regional transportation planner or just a resident wanting the best for our city, we must all get on this train (pun fully intended).
For decades, concerted efforts have been made across the globe — from distant countries to Washington, D.C., from our state’s capital to the courts — to break down barriers for the opportunity to build what has been called our generation’s DFW International Airport. Such an endeavor represents a significant leap forward for the 8 million residents in North Texas, with many more to come. The path has been cleared. Now, the only thing that could derail this endeavor is our infighting. Now is the time to be pragmatic and strategic, compromise if necessary, and unite.
The rationale for the high-speed rail is strong. It aims to connect the Dallas-Fort Worth area, our nation’s fourth-largest metropolitan region, with greater Houston, the fifth-largest. This project is more than linking locations; it’s about uniting economic powerhouses, fostering innovation and celebrating cultural diversity. As a catalyst for economic growth, it will generate jobs, stimulate investments and boost both cities’ global competitiveness.
By 2029, the rail is expected to carry 6 million passengers between Dallas and Houston, and 13 million by 2050. It will enhance both business and leisure travel, attracting tourists who will support local businesses and jobs, and it will be better for the environment. It demonstrates Texas’ commitment to leading and innovating in a globally connected era.
Amtrak’s involvement is a significant endorsement, signifying federal support and recognizing the project’s potential as a model for future high-speed rail initiatives across the country. It underscores its viability and strategic value.
This has been a dream for decades, and we’re so close. At times like this, leaders lead. That’s what we need from all involved locally. Our decisions right now will impact Dallas’ future and our standing as a city for generations.
Mike Rawlings was mayor of Dallas from 2011 to 2019.
We welcome your thoughts in a letter to the editor. See the guidelines and submit your letter here. If you have problems with the form, you can submit via email at [email protected]