Amtrak

As Tarrant County rapidly grows, the need for more transit options is increasingly apparent. Just take a drive if you want proof.

The state’s booming population, congestion problems and billions of federal dollars on the table have officials eyeing ways to boost passenger rail.

Arlington Mayor Jim Ross says the proposed high-speed rail line that could run through his city would be an economic game changer that literally puts Arlington at the center of the region’s transportation plans.

High speed rail in Texas is big talk in a state ruled by cars. Still, a plan to build a bullet train connecting Fort Worth, Dallas and Houston was a major focus at this week's Southwestern Rail Conference in Hurst.

The long-envisioned initiative was one of seven high-speed rail projects across the country selected to receive grant funding from the Federal Railroad Administration, which awarded a total of $8.2 billion to 79 rail projects that are in varying stages of development.

The Federal Railroad Administration awarded grants for several projects including the Dallas to Houston bullet train and connecting service to Atlanta.

A passenger rail line project touted as a major connectivity and economic boost to the Fort Worth region and beyond could soon be at risk amid proposed federal budget cuts to Amtrak.

Amtrak and Texas Central are considering a partnership to study the potential for a bullet train connecting the state's two largest cities

Plans under the federal infrastructure bill could increase frequency on the Texas Eagle line, as well as add a route from Houston to Dallas.

The project, which is among 39 new routes that Amtrak has proposed, calls for extending the Heartland Flyer. The expansion would add two more round trips daily between Oklahoma City and Fort Worth.

President Joe Biden, once a regular Amtrak rider, is set on Friday to help the nation’s passenger rail system celebrate 50 years of service.

Amtrak says flooding is forcing it to suspend service between St. Louis and Fort Worth until June 7.Amtrak officials said in a news release Friday that…