The Federal Railroad Administration has approved a petition for rulemaking by Texas Central to issue a Rule of Particular Applicability (RPA) for the proposed high-speed rail project linking Dallas and Houston.
The RPA is a comprehensive set of custom rules that will be applicable specifically to Texas Central and used to govern the railroad’s system and operations between Houston and Dallas. The railroad noted the approval of the petition keeps the project on track for finalization of this safety rule and the environmental permit; both of which should be completed next year with financial close and construction quickly following.
“The FRA’s action on the Rule of Particular Applicability marks a major milestone in our quest to bring a transformative mobility solution, while minimizing impact on the environment and land use, as opposed to other options,” said Carlos F. Aguilar, CEO, Texas Central. “We thank [FRA] Administrator [Ronald] Batory for his leadership in bringing high-speed rail service to the United States. We will meet or exceed all requirements the FRA mandates, to ensure we have the safest high-speed rail system in the world.”
The Texas train will be based on Central Japan Railway’s Tokaido Shinkansen technology. The system opened in 1964 and has transported more than 10 billion passengers with zero operational passenger fatalities and zero accidents. Texas Central will bring the latest generation of this technology to the United States, the N700S, which will be introduced into revenue service in Japan, in the coming months.
“Securing [the U.S. Department of Transportation’s] commitment to move forward with the Texas High Speed Rail Project is a significant win for all Texans, especially those who live in the Twelfth District because it will create job opportunities, boost our economy, increase mobility and spur productivity in the Lone Star State. I’m pleased [USDOT] recognized the importance of high-speed rail and am encouraged they will be moving forward with the regulatory process required to advance the project,” said U.S. Rep. Kay Granger (R-TX-12).
Texas Central Chairman of the Board Drayton McLane Jr., added, “This is a bold move by the secretary, and the [USDOT], to ensure we implement the safest passenger rail system in the world.”
