Speedbumps and Opposition Continue for Texas High-Speed Rail Line

Last year, we spoke with former Harris County judge and Texas Central Railway President Robert Eckels about his company's effort to construct a privately funded bullet train between Houston and Dallas/Fort Worth. Texas Central Railway first proposed the plan to build the rail line back in 2012. If successful, it would offer commuters a way to travel from Houston to Dallas in about 90 minutes. The mayors of those cities have expressed their unified support for the project.

But amid efforts last year by the Federal Railroad Administration and Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to seek public comment in preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement, opposition to the project surfaced in Montgomery County. Initially, the route would have cut through privately owned land in western portions of the county. Land owners balked, and now the line will cross west of the county. Nevertheless, a regional planning commission has been formed to — according to Montgomery County Judge Craig Doyal — monitor and work against this or any other high speed rail project that might cut through the county. It’s not the only opposition that has arisen to this and other high speed rail projects.

We listen back to our 2014 conversation with Judge Eckels. Then, we learn about the latest developments from News 88.7 transportation reporter Gail Delaughter. And then we welcome your questions for Kyle Workman, President of Texans Against High Speed Rail, about why his group opposes projects like this.