Texas

Austin conference highlights Amtrak’s vision for Texas high-speed rail

Published

1 year ago

September 26, 2024

Austin conference highlights Amtrak’s vision for Texas high-speed rail

AUSTIN, Texas (KBTX) -Amtrak is continuing to lay the groundwork to bring high-speed rail to Texas, with plans to connect Dallas and Houston. Advocates say the proposal could transform the state’s transportation landscape and address growing congestion as Texas’ population continues to swell.

Speaking at the Move America Conference in Austin Wednesday, Andy Byford, Amtrak’s vice president of high-speed rail, highlighted the significance of the project, which aims to offer Texans an alternative to congested highways and overcrowded airports.

“These are really exciting times for Texas,” Byford said. “People really are wanting to see more rail in Texas. And the good news is that’s exactly what Amtrak wants as well. We’ve got our existing five daily services, but we’re looking to massively expand our presence here, working with TxDOT to address all three sides of the Texas Triangle.”

Byford says the proposed high-speed rail line between Dallas and Houston is central to Amtrak’s vision for the state. The route, which would also pass through College Station, is seen as a critical step in alleviating pressure on Interstate 45.

“We believe Dallas to Houston represents a compelling corridor. It’s the most obvious one in the country in terms of the distance, in terms of the population, in terms of the projected ridership,” Byford said. “But we’re not yet able to say it’s a definite proposition. There’s still more work to be done to make the case and to go out and get that funding required.”

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A Transformative Project

During his fireside chat with Trinity Metro President and CEO Richard Andreski Byford call the opportunity to expand passenger rail in Texas as a transformative moment. He says Amtrak is still in the planning and development stages for the Dallas-Houston rail line, with key milestones over the next year, including more design and environmental work. Byford also emphasized the importance of being thorough before seeking approval from Amtrak’s board.

“The next six months are going to be very busy,” Byford said. “We’ve got more design work to do, more environmental work to do, looking at probably 50 years of ridership projections, revenue projections, finalizing other elements of the design. Only then would we adopt a go-no-go decision.”

While the project is still in its early stages, Byford said he remains optimistic, pointing to the success of high-speed rail systems in other countries. He mentioned the economic, environmental, and societal benefits seen in nations like Japan, Germany, and the United Kingdom.

“What you tend to get is real, what we call transit-oriented development,” Byford said. “Businesses pop up, housing gets constructed around the sites, commuting becomes a lot easier, and you do have the huge environmental benefits of getting cars off the road.”

If completed, the Dallas-Houston line would allow passengers to travel between the two cities in under 90 minutes, which Amtrak predicts would take 12,000 to 15,000 cars off the road each day.

“For me, it’s a win-win,” Byford said. “The science in terms of the economic uplift that happens is proven in many cases across the world.”

Support Across the State

In addition to the Dallas-Houston project, Amtrak is looking to improve rail services across the entire Texas Triangle, which includes San Antonio, Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, and Houston. Byford stressed that securing political support is key to turning these plans into reality.

“I don’t think you can ever build new infrastructure, and I don’t think you should ever build new infrastructure unless you have consulted with the community and unless you have the buy-in of elected officials,” Byford said. “Here in Austin, we’re lucky we’ve got Mayor Parker, who’s very pro-rail expansion. And that’s what you need. We’ll certainly need political support. We’ll need buy-in from the state. We’ll need federal support.”

Byford encouraged Texans to voice their support for more rail services by contacting their elected officials. He says that public demand is crucial to moving the project forward.

“If you want to see us provide more rail service in Texas, we’re ready to do that,” Byford said. “Please, if you do want to see that, talk to your elected officials. Say that you want to see more rail service in Texas—more frequent service, more punctual service, more affordable service. Talk to your elected officials, and as they then talk to Amtrak, I’m sure we can make this thing a reality.”

Opposition

While much of the conversations being held at the Move America Conference in Austin was focused on support for Amtrak’s proposed high-speed rail project, opposition remains a significant part of the broader conversation. Critics, particularly from rural communities along the route, have long expressed concerns about funding, land acquisition, and potential disruptions to local areas. Texans Against High-Speed Rail, a group of landowners and officials, has raised objections over the estimated multi-billion-dollar cost and the possibility of taxpayer funding. Waller County Judge Trey Duhon previously stated, “This was supposed to be a privately funded project. With Amtrak’s involvement, we’re now seeing the possibility of taxpayer dollars being used.” Additionally, new developments along the route could be affected, as many neighborhoods have emerged since initial environmental studies were conducted. While these concerns weren’t a focus at the conference, they continue to shape the ongoing debate around the project.

A Bright Future for Texas Rail

Andreski echoed Byford’s optimism during the 20-minute fireside chat. Having moved to Texas from Connecticut, Andreski shared his excitement about the public’s support for rail expansion in the Lone Star State.

“We’ve done a little bit of market research, and we have found in our part of the Texas Triangle here [Ft. Worth] that 78 percent of the electorate wants more investment in rail and they’re willing to pay for it,” Andreski said. “That’s exciting. And number two, we’re seeing strong response from the market to rail service. People are riding—we’re seeing 15 to 18 percent compounded annual growth. So there’s really an appetite for passenger rail.”

Andreski also noted the success of Trinity Metro’s TexRail, a rail line that connects Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport to Fort Worth. He explained that ridership has surged for both business and leisure trips, highlighting the changing nature of rail travel in Texas.

“We’re seeing people using the train for every trip—entertainment, connecting to leisure travel, business travel, not just traditional commutes,” Andreski said. “The opportunity for us is to continue to lean into that trend.”

Byford added that Texas must think big to meet the challenges of its rapidly growing population.

“If we don’t increase and expand rail service across the whole of Texas, my prediction is this great state will grind to a halt,” Byford said. “You may not, as the political leader, be at the ribbon cutting, but you’re the visionary that made it start.”

Both Byford and Andreski emphasized that partnerships at the local, state, and federal levels will be essential to the success of the rail expansion. They believe that, with the right support, Texas can create a transformative rail network that will benefit future generations.

“I am encouraged by big thinking and boldness,” Andreski said. “I would say my wrap-up is really—it’s about partnerships. And I think Amtrak being here in Texas is really, we have a bright future.”

Move America Conference

The Move America Conference is an event focused on the future of transportation and infrastructure, bringing together industry experts, policymakers, and decision-makers to discuss innovative solutions for the nation’s mobility challenges. Held annually, the conference aims to foster collaboration across sectors such as rail, automotive, aviation, and public transit, promoting sustainable and efficient transportation systems. It serves as a platform for showcasing new technologies, discussing policy developments, and exploring projects like high-speed rail, with the goal of improving transportation networks and addressing the evolving needs of cities and states across the country.

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Texas

Frigid air moves across North Texas Sunday ahead of mid-week warmup

Published

6 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Press Room

Frigid air moves across North Texas Sunday ahead of mid-week warmup

Jeff Ray

Updated on: December 14, 2025 / 8:06 AM CST
/ CBS Texas

Yes, it was just two days ago that DFW enjoyed temperatures in the 70s. However, cold winds arrived overnight to push that December warmth away, and frigid arctic air took its place.

Coats, gloves and hats are needed if you head out to support your family or friends in the BMW Dallas Marathon on Sunday morning. Temperatures will start right around freezing with wind gusts around 25 mph.

Bitter cold wind chills are expected throughout the day.

It seems every other year that North Texas gets a winter start to the Dallas marathon. The race starts with mostly cloudy skies, but the skies will clear by Sunday afternoon.

Highs will top out in the low 40s – one of the colder days DFW has had so far this season.

Lows Sunday night dip down into the 20s for the first time at DFW since last February.

The cold air is not sticking around. North Texas will quickly warm up.

After the coldest morning so far this season on Monday, it will be back in the 70s by mid-week. It will also be near record highs by next weekend.

Long-range models show the warm air is lasting until Christmas.

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Why Texas A&M’s former Heisman winner was a generational dual-threat

Published

18 hours ago

December 13, 2025

Press Room

Why Texas A&M’s former Heisman winner was a generational dual-threat

On Saturday night, the 91st Heisman winner will be announced, as Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin, Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia, and Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love are the four finalists who will contend for the most prestigious award college football has to offer.

All four players led their teams to double-digit wins. At the same time, Mendoza and Sayin are headed to the College Football Playoff after Indiana’s Big Ten Championship win over the Buckeyes vaulted the Hoosiers to the No. 1-seed, receiving a first-round bye in the CFP.

For Texas A&M fans, former star quarterback Johnny Manziel, who won the program’s second Heisman Trophy after his historic 2012 redshirt freshman season, was back in the news after Bleacher Report revealed back-to-back rushing comparisons to Jeremiyah Love’s prolific 2025 rushing production, which led to him becoming a Heisman finalist.

Manziel threw for 3,706 yards and 26 touchdowns, while rushing for an incredible 1,410 yards and 21 touchdowns on 201 carries, averaging seven yards per carry. Love, whose entire job is running and catching the ball, ran for 1,372 yards and 18 touchdowns on 199 carries, averaging 6.9 yards per carry.

This takes nothing away from Jeremiyah Love’s incredible season, but is just another reason Johnny Manziel’s 2012 season is still regarded as the most outstanding Heisman-winning campaign, outside of former Auburn quarterback Cam Newton’s 2010 Heisman season.

After throwing for 2,932 yards and 25 touchdowns, Texas A&M star QB Marcel Reed did not make the Heisman finalist cut.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Cameron on X: @CameronOhnysty.

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2025-26 college football bowl game schedule, scores, TV channels, times

Published

1 day ago

December 13, 2025

Press Room

2025-26 college football bowl game schedule, scores, TV channels, times

Here’s the complete college football bowl schedule for the 2025-26 season, which begins Saturday, Dec. 13. Games continue through the College Football Playoff title game on Monday, Jan. 19.

This article will continue to be updated as bowl games go final.

2025-26 college football bowl game schedule, scores, TV channels, matchup information

(all times ET)

Saturday, Dec. 13

Celebration Bowl
South Carolina State vs. Prairie View A&M
12 p.m. | ABC
Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Atlanta, Georgia

LA Bowl
Boise State vs. Washington
8 p.m. | ABC
SoFi Stadium
Inglewood, Calif.

Tuesday, Dec. 16

Salute to Veterans Bowl
Troy vs. Jacksonville State
9 p.m. | ESPN
Cramton Bowl
Montgomery, Ala.

Wednesday, Dec. 17

Cure Bowl
Old Dominion vs. South Florida
5 p.m. | ESPN
Camping World Stadium
Orlando, Fla.

68 Ventures Bowl
Louisiana vs. Delaware
8:30 p.m. | ESPN
Hancock Whitney Stadium
Mobile, Ala.

Thursday, Dec. 18

Xbox Bowl
Arkansas State vs. Missouri State
9 p.m. | ESPN2
Ford Center
Frisco, Texas

Friday, Dec. 19

Myrtle Beach Bowl
Kennesaw State vs. Western Michigan
11 a.m. | ESPN
Brooks Stadium
Conway, S.C.

Gasparilla Bowl
Memphis vs. NC State
2:30 p.m. | ESPN
Raymond James Stadium
Tampa, Fla.

College Football Playoff First Round Game
No. 8 Oklahoma vs. No. 9 Alabama
8 p.m. | ESPN, ABC
Memorial Stadium
Norman, Okla.

Saturday, Dec. 20

College Football Playoff First Round Game
No. 7 Texas A&M vs. No. 10 Miami (Fla.)
12 p.m. | ESPN, ABC
Kyle Field
College Station, Texas

College Football Playoff First Round Game
No. 6 Ole Miss vs. No. 20 Tulane
3:30 p.m. | TNT, HBO Max, truTV
Vaught-Hemingway Stadium
Oxford, Miss.

College Football Playoff First Round Game
No. 5 Oregon vs. No. 24 James Madison
7:30 p.m. | TNT, HBO Max, truTV
Autzen Stadium
Eugene, Ore.

Monday, Dec. 22

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl
Washington State vs. Utah State
2 p.m. | ESPN
Albertsons Stadium
Boise, Idaho

Tuesday, Dec. 23

Boca Raton Bowl

New Orleans Bowl
Western Kentucky vs. Southern Miss
5:30 p.m. | ESPN
Caesars Superdome
New Orleans, La.

Frisco Bowl
UNLV vs. Ohio
9 p.m. | ESPN
Ford Center at The Star
Frisco, Texas

Wednesday, Dec. 24

Hawai’i Bowl
Cal vs. Hawai’i
8 p.m. | ESPN
Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex
Honolulu, Hawai’i

Friday, Dec. 26

GameAbove Sports Bowl
Central Michigan vs. Northwestern
1 p.m. | ESPN
Ford Field
Detroit, Mich.

Rate Bowl
New Mexico vs. Minnesota
4:30 p.m. | ESPN
Chase Field
Phoenix, Ariz.

First Responder Bowl
FIU vs. UTSA
8 p.m. | ESPN
Gerald J. Ford Stadium
Dallas, Texas

Saturday, Dec. 27

Military Bowl
Pitt vs. East Carolina
11 a.m. | ESPN
Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium
Annapolis, Md.

Pinstripe Bowl
Clemson vs. Penn State
12 p.m. | ABC
Yankee Stadium
Bronx, N.Y.

Fenway Bowl
UConn vs. Army
2:15 p.m. | ESPN
Fenway Park
Boston, Mass.

Pop-Tarts Bowl
No. 12 BYU vs. No. 22 Georgia Tech
3:30 p.m. | ABC
Camping World Stadium
Orlando, Fla.

Arizona Bowl
Miami (Ohio) vs. Fresno State
4:30 p.m. | The CW Network
Arizona Stadium
Tucson, Ariz.

New Mexico Bowl
No. 25 North Texas vs. San Diego State
5:45 p.m. | ESPN
University Stadium
Albuquerque, N.M.

Gator Bowl
Missouri vs. No. 19 Virginia
7:30 p.m. | ABC
EverBank Stadium
Jacksonville, Fla.

Texas Bowl
LSU vs. No. 21 Houston
9:15 p.m. | ESPN
NRG Stadium
Houston, Texas

Monday, Dec. 29

Birmingham Bowl

Tuesday, Dec. 30

Independence Bowl
Coastal Carolina vs. Louisiana Tech
2 p.m. | ESPN
Independence Stadium
Shreveport, La.

Music City Bowl
Tennessee vs. Illinois
5:30 p.m. | ESPN
Nissan Stadium
Nashville, Tenn.

Alamo Bowl
No. 16 USC vs. TCU
9 p.m. | ESPN
Alamodome
San Antonio, Texas

Wednesday, Dec. 31

ReliaQuest Bowl
No. 23 Iowa vs. No. 14 Vanderbilt
12 p.m. | ESPN
Raymond James Stadium
Tampa, Fla.

Sun Bowl
Arizona State vs. Duke
2 p.m. | CBS
Sun Bowl
El Paso, Texas

Citrus Bowl
No. 13 Texas vs. No. 18 Michigan
3 p.m. | ABC
Camping World Stadium
Orlando, Fla.

Las Vegas Bowl
Nebraska vs. No. 15 Utah
3:30 p.m. | ESPN
Allegiant Stadium
Las Vegas, Nev.

College Football Playoff Quarterfinal
No. 2 Ohio State vs. No. 7 Texas A&M/No. 10 Miami (Fla.) winner
7:30 p.m. | ESPN , WatchESPN
AT&T Stadium (Cotton Bowl)
Arlington, Texas

Thursday, Jan. 1

College Football Playoff Quarterfinal
No. 4 Texas Tech vs. No. 5 Oregon/No. 24 James Madison winner
12 p.m. | ESPN, WatchESPN
Hard Rock Stadium (Orange Bowl)
Miami Gardens, Fla.

College Football Playoff Quarterfinal
No. 1 Indiana vs. No. 8 Oklahoma/No. 9 Alabama winner
4 p.m. | ESPN, WatchESPN
Rose Bowl (Rose Bowl)
Pasadena, Calif.

College Football Playoff Quarterfinal
No. 3 Georgia vs. No. 6 Ole Miss/No. 20 Tulane winner
8 p.m. | ESPN, WatchESPN
Caesars Superdome (Sugar Bowl)
New Orleans, La.