1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

Texas must make passenger rail a major transportation priority. I urge you to support dramatic increases in state funding for passenger rail planning, construction, and operations, including true high-speed rail where it is practical. Our state continues to invest tens of billions of dollars in highway expansion, yet congestion along corridors like I-35 continues to worsen as Texas grows. We need a balanced transportation system that gives Texans real choices while strengthening our economy. Modern passenger rail would reduce highway congestion, improve mobility, support economic development, connect growing metropolitan areas and smaller communities, and provide a reliable alternative when highways are congested or airports are delayed. High-speed rail between major Texas cities has the potential to transform travel, attract investment, and keep Texas competitive with other fast-growing regions around the world. Texas already recognizes the value of rail infrastructure through investments in rail safety and grade-separation projects, but there is still no consistent, dedicated funding source for expanding passenger rail. The state's own rail planning documents identify this funding gap as a major obstacle to progress. (Texas Department of Transportation (https://www.txdot.gov/about/newsroom/statewide/new-funding-approved-for-rail-grade-separation-projects-in-texas.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com)) Please support legislation that: • Creates a dedicated, long-term state funding source for passenger rail. • Invests aggressively in new intercity passenger rail and high-speed rail corridors. • Expands service between Texas' major metropolitan areas, including the Austin–San Antonio corridor and other high-demand routes. • Maximizes federal matching funds and public-private partnerships whenever possible. Texas has always been a state that thinks big. Our transportation system should reflect that vision. I respectfully ask you to make expanded passenger rail and high-speed rail a top legislative priority.