The idea of a high-speed rail connecting Texas cities has been a long-held dream for many, and now there is talk of extending that dream 150 miles south of the border to Monterrey, Mexico. Recently, officials from both Texas and Mexico gathered to show their support for this ambitious project.
Advocates believe that a train running from Austin to Monterrey with stops along the way could alleviate traffic congestion on I-35 and provide a convenient mode of transportation for people traveling between Central Texas and Mexico for business or leisure. The goal is to make travel easier and more efficient than the current options available.
Several county officials in Texas, including Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai and Travis County Judge Andy Brown, have expressed their support for the project. They recently participated in an event where they rode the Texas Eagle, a rail line that currently runs from San Antonio to Austin, to advocate for the expansion of rail travel to Mexico. Mexican officials from Nuevo León, including the governor and economic development personnel, were also present at the event to show their support.
Monterrey is seen as a desirable destination for rail travel due to its proximity to Central Texas and the strong ties between the two regions. Many Central Texans have family in Monterrey, and there are also business connections between the two areas. Advocates believe that having a direct rail link to Monterrey would make travel more convenient and appealing for residents on both sides of the border.
In order to make the Texas-Mexico rail line a reality, advocates are working to secure federal funding. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act set aside $66 billion for rail projects in 2021, but Texas would need to provide 20% of the project’s cost to access these funds. The estimated cost for Texas’s share is $300 million, which advocates hope will be approved by the Texas Legislature in the next session in February 2025.
Overall, advocates of the Texas-Mexico rail line are optimistic about the project’s chances of success. They are working to rally support on both sides of the border and are hopeful that the necessary funding will be secured to move the project forward. The rail line has the potential to transform travel between Texas and Mexico, making it more convenient and efficient for residents and businesses in both regions. If you found this information valuable, please consider supporting the reporting by making a donation to help cover the costs of producing content on Texas Standard and KUT.org.
