Examining Long-Distance Express Buses in Conjunction with Intercity Passenger Rail in Texas

One of the mobility challenges facing Texas and other high-population states in the coming years is the rising travel demand along major intercity travel corridors. Texas, like many other states, is looking at the role increased passenger rail service may play in absorbing some of the travel demand from crowded highway and air travel corridors in the coming years. In the meantime, intercity bus services have a long history of serving many communities along many of Texas major corridors. Generally, an industry that has experienced declining service levels over the past several decades, new services like BoltBus, Megabus, and others have proven the bus has a role in serving intercity passenger travel demands. This paper explores three intercity passenger rail scenarios in Texas and how intercity bus services can work in conjunction with the rail operations.