America does not yet have high-speed trains between major cities, as seen in other parts of the world like China, Japan, and Europe. The sheer size of the United States is one possible reason for the delay but opposition forces are fighting the construction of a “bullet train” between Dallas and Houston. However, those in favor of such a high-speed train say it would be a boon for real estate.

It currently takes 3-4 hours to drive from Dallas to Houston, depending on traffic. The proposed bullet train would travel at speeds up to 205 mph, cutting the commute to just 90 minutes.

Photo by Texas Central

The Texas Real Estate Council (TREC) in Dallas, proponents of the bullet train, see lots of positives from the development. The terminal point in Dallas would be just south of Downtown in the Cedars district, south of Interstate 30 and the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center. The TREC envisions a new downtown, with additional hotels and a variety of housing, from condos to high-rise apartments. Residents would be drawn to the walkability of the urban neighborhood and its easy access to car-free living. 

However, opponents of the bullet train are concerned about how landowners would be affected by its development. Texas Central, the company building the 240-mile line, claims it could use eminent domain to obtain the property needed to complete the project. The state senate is still debating the issues involved and could potentially block or delay the development of high-speed rail. State senators are focused mostly on the associated costs and do not want taxpayers to be forced to fund it.

Texas Central has already started the project in Dallas, with preliminary design work being done for the station. The company also claims public funds will not be needed because global investors will choose to invest in infrastructure. However, funding is needed not just for building the system, but for its continued operations.