TxDOT Makes ‘Stunning Acknowledgement:’ Texas Needs More Transit

A report from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) highlights the state’s need to reduce its reliance on cars and offer more transportation options to residents. 

According to an article by Joshua Fechter for The Texas Tribune, “A draft of the first-of-its-kind Texas Department of Transportation plan released in October outlines the need for boosted public transportation in rural and smaller urban areas as well as a greater array of travel options, including rail, between the state’s major urban centers.”

The report, known as the Statewide Multimodal Transit Plan, says more transit is needed for the state to continue its growth. Texas is projected to add over 9 million new residents by 2050, while many current residents are aging and losing the ability to drive. “Though the number of Texans living in rural areas is declining, the agency expects rural Texans to become increasingly dependent on transit as they age to access medical care and other services.” 

State Representative Terry Canales, a Democrat, called the statements “completely out of character” for the agency, but expressed little optimism for substantial support for transit in the legislature. “Transit advocates say the plan is a major step that could help lay the groundwork for at least a statewide conversation about the state’s public transit needs.”