A proposed high-speed rail system that, if built, would connect many of the state's largest cities, is moving closer to reality.
The planned South Central Corridor initially connected Austin and San Antonio to the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, but a recently-passed $284 billion federal transportation bill extended the proposed rail line to Houston through Killeen.
The new line proposal, named the "Texas T-Bone," would ease travel for Texas students, said David Dean, CEO of a policy consulting firm for the Texas High Speed Rail and Transportation Corporation.
"This system links up over 563,000 full-time college students around the state," Dean said. "Ideally, they could buy a student rail pass to help them go to other parts of the state for holidays or athletic events."
Dean said the rail would be supplemental to and would not detract from other state transportation industries, such as the airline industry. Angela Vargo, spokeswoman for Southwest Airlines, would not speculate on future competition but indicated they were not worried.
"It's exactly what Southwest does already, quick shorthaul service for a low price," Vargo said.
The "T-Bone" is one of a dozen proposals bidding for federal funding. The government will choose three proposals nationwide to fund for "further study," Dean said.
The bill received support from both sides of the state's congressional delegation but a few, including U.S. Rep. Kevin Brady, R-The Woodlands, voted against the measure.
"We have always signed on to support the high-speed rail project," said Brady spokeswoman Sarah Stephens. "Our no vote was based on the fact that Texas lost money under the funding formula in this bill."
The rail plan has received broad support from other Texas leaders, including Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and U.S. Sens. Kay Bailey Hutchison and John Cornyn.
Dean said he is happy with what he calls "enlightened" leaders who are jumping on board.
"This will make a dramatic impact on numbers on the road," Dean said. "If we don't take action today, quality of life will suffer tomorrow."
But Satya Thallam, a policy analyst with the Goldwater Institute, a conservative think tank, said he is doubtful the rail system will replace cars.
"The relative cost of owning a car has gone down over the years," Thallam said. "People are comforted, because they control their cars. They can stop when they want. A rail can't compete with that kind of convenience."
Dean said if all goes according to plan, the rail may be complete in the not-so-distant future.
"Our prediction is that high-speed rail will be a reality in Texas within the next two decades," Dean said.
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