HIGH-SPEED RAIL–AMTRAK REACH TICKETING AGREEMENT

  

Passengers on a proposed high-speed rail between Houston and Dallas could use Amtrak’s reservation system to buy tickets for the train under a new agreement.

Texas Central, developers of the proposed “bullet train,” would have access to Amtrak’s national routes, connecting riders between Amtrak passenger stations and its stations in Dallas and Houston.

Officials with Texas Central say they have been working with Amtrak and others to expand opportunities to attract, assist and serve passengers on the 200 mph Dallas-to-Houston line, with a stop in Grimes County.

Officials claim the agreement is an important step in the progress of the Texas Bullet Train, giving both local and interstate travelers more options.

The agreement comes as the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) completes a final environmental study of the train’s proposed 240-mile route.  The FRA in a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) issued Dec. 15 that the train will alleviate strains on Texas’ infrastructure.