Will Texans Fall for the Rail Snakeoil?

One again we see that rail transport, high speed or commuter, is not economically feasible in Texas. Bullet Train Report

"A new report estimates the Texas bullet train could cost taxpayers $21.5 billion and concludes that privately funded high speed rail is not a feasible mode of transit outside of the Northeastern United States.

The report from the Reason Foundation estimates that the proposed Texas Central Partners project between Dallas and Houston will run at a $537 million annual operating deficit over the its first 40 years of operations."

"The report finds that Texas Central Partners has exaggerated its ridership projections while underestimating costs, which will lead to revenue shortfalls, financial difficulties and ultimately, taxpayer subsidies."

It is time to disabuse our elected officials of the idea that rail makes economic sense as a method of reducing traffic congestion in Texas. Georgetown's mayor has indicated he is open to a rail solution to reduce I 35 congestion along the old MoKan railroad right-of-way. Many studies and practical experience across the U.S. has shown that rail is not cost effective or effective at reducing highway congestion, with the exception of the densely populated North-East part of the U.S.

Let our elected officials know we want them to focus on real solutions that work and are cost effective.