A bullet train project that zips passengers from Dallas to Fort Worth is closer to reality. The Dallas-Fort Worth Regional Transportation Council unveiled plans Wednesday morning to explore cutting-edge hyperloop technology.
The state is considering two bullet train projects that will be connected. Austin may be a stop in the future.
Hyperloop is a new mode of transportation that allows trains to travel at very high speeds, up to 700 miles per hour non-stop. Scientists calculate a six-minute commute between Dallas and Fort Worth.
Last year, The Dallas-Fort Worth Regional Transportation Council (RTC) asked the state for permission to study the environmental and economic impact of a bullet train. The RTC will also look at a second project that goes from Fort Worth to Laredo. That route could include stops in Waco, Austin and San Antonio.
Houston is also on the list to eventually get a stop if it’s approved.
Scientists are currently testing hyperloop technology on a full-scale track in the Nevada Desert. The bullet train was developed by Tesla’s Elon Musk and backed by Virgin’s Richard Branson.
It is not clear how much the project would cost or who would pay for it.
After Wednesday’s announcement, the next steps would include the RTC putting out a request later this year asking for a consultant team to complete the impact study. The bullet train would be the nation’s first, if it is approved.
(Information from KXAN.com)
