Quote:
Originally Posted by ardecila
Why would they buy Texas Central rather than starting from scratch? In California, DesertXpress already had an EIS approved to build their line. Brightline saved years of time by purchasing the company.
In Texas, I think Brightline may start from scratch and choose a cheaper alignment. The court cases establishing Texas Central's right to use eminent domain also apply to Brightline or other railroads.
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I thought the "utility" alignment chosen by the FRA with its EIS and with Texas Central consent was the cheapest alignment possible. It avoided every possible developed area within a town and city between Dallas and Houston. The only urban developed property along this right of way are within Dallas and Houston's city limits. It will be very difficult to find to find a cheaper alternative.
But, higher speed trains going faster than Amtrak but not faster than 125 mph will need more than one station stop between Dallas and Houston. After all, Brightline is not building its trains without intermediate stations in Florida. More intermediate stops should increase the pool of customers who just might take a train vs driving.
Texas Central has never stated it had funding to build and operate the railroad all lined up. It has been looking for more investors since they started. Will they ever raise enough cash, only the future knows? Meanwhile, they are getting all the preparation work done, design, alignment, environmental reviews, and permits. So when the money is raised to build this railroad, either themselves or another third party, the project will be truly shovel ready.