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[Adventurer]

By Bob Ray Sanders

bobray@ star-telegram.com

Twenty years ago a proposed "bullet train" connecting Dallas-Fort Worth with Houston, Austin and San Antonio seemed on track and picking up speed despite some high-powered opposition.

By 1993 the project had been derailed by several forces: Southwest Airlines didn't want the competition, Central Texas landowners feared a decrease in property values, political leaders were divided or ambivalent and, ultimately, the private developer was unable to raise the required initial funding for the estimated $6.5 billion project.

Although some thought it was a plan ahead of its time, many people today realize that high-speed rail for Texas was a worthy goal then and, had we proceeded, the Lone Star State might be leading the nation in this valued transportation alternative.

Instead, the second-largest state in the union is bringing up the rear, falling behind many other large states in the planning and funding -- much less the implementation -- of high-speed rail with trains that can travel up to 220 mph.

But rather than dwell on what could've or should've happened if only ..., let's talk about where we go from here to get this fast train moving again

Read more: http://www.star-telegram.com/2011/05/21/3092306/high-speed-rail-would-be-good.html#ixzz1N7p9yhL3

[SMOE NSET]

Fingers are crossed it eventually comes to fruition. I would love to take a train between the cities. We definitely have the space. It could go right down I-45 for the trip between Dallas and Houston and follow the other major highways to connect the other cities. This would ruin a bit of the towns along the highways that survive off of tired travelers but they will survive. Maybe make a few stops along the lines. For instance, on the I-45 link between Dallas and Houston, they could stop at Centerville.

The Dallas DART system's rapid expansion should be a little proof that Texans want better public transportation. Especially now that the gas prices have hit record highs, between $3.50 and $4 a gallon.

The Houston tram system was horrible the last time I saw it. It basically only traveled downtown through the medical district. It might have expanded though but still a lack of foresight there, or maybe interest.