With a Dallas-Houston bullet train proposal proceeding apace, a complementary idea is now on the table: a multimodal transit hub linking Amtrak, transit, and even Hyperloop.
As high-speed rail inches closer to reality in Texas, the city of Dallas may consider similarly ambitious plans for a multimodal transportation center accommodating trains, other transit, and possibly more futuristic modes like autonomous vehicles, aerial taxis, and Hyperloop.
The concept, which has City Council has reviewed, "also includes a proposed deck park over I-30, just north of the tracks, and officials are exploring additions of new hotel and office space to accompany the hub," Shawn Shinneman writes.
At the moment, high-speed rail is the primary driving force behind these preliminary conversations. "Texas Central got a $300 million loan in September to boost design and engineering efforts for its proposed route from Dallas to Houston. The company says it can build out 240-mile path with $12 to $15 billion, although others estimate the cost at $20 billion."
As for city-owned Union Station, currently a historic and underutilized space, questions "were mostly pushed down the line."
See also:
FULL STORY: The City Dreams Up a Multimodal Transportation Hub to Complement High-Speed Rail
Texas High-Speed Rail Awarded $63.9M Federal Grant
In August, Amtrak received a $63.9 million grant from the FRA to continue its work to identify a high-speed rail corridor between Dallas and Houston.
Amtrak Takes Lead on Texas Central Rail
The high-speed rail project isn’t a done deal, but if it moves forward, trains could begin operating in 2030.
Texas Central High-Speed Rail Gets Green Light From Feds
The Federal Railroad Administration has granted two key permissions for Texas Central to operate a high-speed trail between Houston and Dallas.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths
Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.
Defunct Pittsburgh Power Plant to Become Residential Tower
A decommissioned steam heat plant will be redeveloped into almost 100 affordable housing units.
Trump Prompts Restructuring of Transportation Research Board in “Unprecedented Overreach”
The TRB has eliminated more than half of its committees including those focused on climate, equity, and cities.
Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train
The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont