Amtrak Initiates RFQ process for Texas High Speed Rail

[Cal]

Sorry if this has already been posted, but it looks like Amtrak has started the process to find a firm to provide "programmatic support for the development and execution of the Texas High Speed Rail Project." The document mentions at top speed of 205MPH for a 90 minute trip. I don't have a link to the full document, these are just from two small screenshots.

 

[Paniolo Man]

I'm surprised and happy that this project is still breathing.

I assume that since it is an Amtrak project now, Texas Central's plans to use JR Shinkansen equipment are probably out the window.

 

[Tom C]

This is what they hired Andy Byford to spearhead. Hope for success. This is a great market for Amtrak to try to build especially given the politics!

 

[Rover]

Sorry if this has already been posted, but it looks like Amtrak has started the process to find a firm to provide "programmatic support for the development and execution of the Texas High Speed Rail Project." The document mentions at top speed of 205MPH for a 90 minute trip. I don't have a link to the full document, these are just from two small screenshots.

I read about it here:

https://www.kbtx.com/2025/02/27/amt...vance-houston-dallas-high-speed-rail-project/

Amtrak appears to be gaining momentum as it moves forward with plans to develop a high-speed rail line between Dallas and Houston, launching a procurement process to select a Delivery Partner for the project.

Texas Rail Advocates first reported the latest development, which marks a significant step in advancing the long-planned rail line.

The Texas High-Speed Rail (HSR) Project promises to provide a 90-minute trip between the Lone Star State’s two largest cities, reaching up to 205 miles per hour along a 240-mile route that includes a stop in the Brazos Valley.

According to Amtrak, the delivery partner will be responsible for providing “advice, leadership, and support” to facilitate the execution of the project. According to the request, this firm will not design or construct the rail system, however, it will play a key role in program management, construction oversight, stakeholder coordination, procurement, and quality management.

Amtrak says the partner must be “aware of and willing to enter into incentive/disincentive compensation structures to ensure the Project is delivered in the most innovative and cost-efficient manner.”

 

[cirdan]

I wonder how much they are building on the previous Texas Central project versus throwing stuff out and starting from scratch.

 

[Bob Dylan]

As a Texan, I'm from Missouri on this one!( " Show Me!)

I'll believe it when I see it!

Considering the current State of Politics, both State and National, and the Huge Amount of Money involved, I wouldn't bet my House on this Scheme ever seeing the Light of Day!

 

[Maglev]

Dare I be optimistic and think that the current administration sees the real estate value of intercity passenger rail?

 

[OmahaRoad]

Dare I be optimistic and think that the current administration sees the real estate value of intercity rail?

I think that there's a small chance they do--at least in relation to private companies like Brightline. I could see this Texas project moving forward in some weird way, like if Duffy & the Trump Admin. insisted that Brightline (can't think of any other "real" private rail operator in the U.S. who would be close to equipped to do this) become a major partner in the project in order for it to receive funding, etc.

Obviously conjecture. But with success of Brightline Florida + Brightline West underway, I'd be a little surprised if they tried to, say, pull back the Federal dollars they received for the BL West project. I really could see them pushing Brightline/any sort of private model (or at least a Amtrak-private partnership model) but we'll see.

 

[NES28]

I forget the specifics but something I read after this announcement led me to believe that Amtrak is still committed to use of Shinkansen technology. The Japanese have invested a lot in the project, including after Amtrak involvement started.