Potential Development of an Intercity Passenger Transit System in Texas – Final Project Report

This report describes the findings of a research study of the potential for development of an intercity rail and express bus system in the state of Texas. Rather than focus on regional commuter or light rail systems radiating from urban areas, this project examined long distance intercity and interregional corridors to determine which are most likely to need additional intercity travel capacity in the coming decades. Specific corridor characteristics for 18 intercity corridors were examined. Ranking of the corridors based upon these characteristics identify those that may need added intercity transit capacity in the future. The underlying analysis of corridors is based upon several factors related to: current and future population and demographic projections along 18 intercity corridors in the state; projected future demand based upon forecasts by the Texas State Demographer and other state agencies; and current transportation network capacity and routes for intercity highway, bus, air, and rail travel. A preliminary concept plan was developed during the first year of the project, and the second year focused on determination of potential costs and benefits of implementing the concept plan or individual system components along each corridor.