Texas High Speed Rail

[Matthew Dewhirst]

As North Texas is growing at a record setting pace, we are facing very real and pressing transportation obstacles. Within the DFW metroplex, our highways are becoming increasingly congested and are in need of constant expansion in order to accommodate the transportation needs of a rapidly growing ans sprawling urban area.

Bedroom communities like Argyle to the North and Midlothian to the South pose additional challenges. During rush hour times, freeways all around the metroplex are clogged with commuters going into or coming out of the business districts. There is a clear flow that can be observed in the mornings and afternoons. In the Mornings the flow is from the outer communities into the city centers in Arlington, Dallas, and Fort Worth, and in the afternoons the flow is from the centers outward. 

In addition to internal problems, there are also issues on the major interstates surrounding the metroplex, specifically, I-35, I-30, I-20 and U.S.-287. As the North Texas region grows, so does the traffic along these roadways, both freight and people. If the people could be moved off the roadway and put on another form of transportation, these roadways would be cleared for freight traffic to meet the needs of the growing region.

There are many solutions to this problem that are being presented, but one that is gaining significant traction is High Speed Rail. The United States is the last major industrialized country in the world to not have a HSR network. Japan was the first to develop a HSR network in 1964, followed by China, Singapore, and countries all across Europe. To many people, HSR is the most logical next step when it comes to meeting the transportation needs of the 21st century. It has already been proven to be effective in major metropolitan centers around the world and many believe it is the perfect solution to transportation and congestion issues in North Texas.

Read more about High Speed Rail in Arlington, Dallas and Fort Worth here.

[Cassy Thompson]

I also thought about this issue while reading an article over city versus country life and the problems that can come with both. We discussed in class the problem of overcrowding by migration to the cities, and we are seeing results of this issue through insufficient transportation and congestion in the city. I think an alternative, convenient form of transportation that could provide more space on main interstates would be very beneficial. I have never thought much about HSR, but this was very interesting to read. I definitely see how it could be beneficial in the city, especially Dallas, and help clear up the highways while making traveling and transportation more efficient and timely reasonable.