On November 12, 2024, State Rep. John Bucy III (D-Austin) introduced House Bill 483, advocating for state funding to develop a high-speed rail line connecting Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio along the heavily trafficked Interstate 35 corridor. The proposal aims to provide Texans and visitors with an alternative to long commutes and traffic congestion, offering a travel option that could drastically reduce travel time between the three major cities.
"We must create a robust transit system for the IH-35 corridor, which is a central hub for work and recreation," said Bucy. "With this high-speed rail, you could live and work in Dallas, attend a meeting in Austin, enjoy dinner in San Antonio, and still be home in time for bedtime—all without the stress of traffic or airport delays."
Bucy’s bill, alongside Senate Bill 424 filed by State Sen. Sarah Eckhardt (D-Austin) on November 21, outlines a proposed development agreement between the Texas Department of Transportation and a private partner to build, maintain, and operate the rail line, which would run at speeds of at least 110 miles per hour.
The initiative has received support from key local officials, including Travis County Judge Andy Brown and Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai. Both attended a press conference in September to discuss the Texas Passenger Rail Advisory Committee, which is pushing for expanded rail funding in the upcoming legislative session starting in January.
