Amtrak floats Texas bullet train RFQ

Amtrak

Amtrak this week issued a Request for Qualifications announcing it's seeking a delivery partner for a high-speed train in Texas, signaling momentum for the long-stalled project.

The RFQ represents the first major step forward since 2023 when Amtrak partnered on the controversial project with Texas Central, the private company that first pitched the idea 16 years ago. The fate of Texas Central remains uncertain, and Amtrak did not provide a statement by deadline.

Brightline, which operates Brightline Florida's express train and is building Brightline West between California and Nevada, has expressed interest in a Texas line.

Amtrak says the train would feature top speeds of up to 205 mph and offer a 90-minute trip, including an intermediate stop in Brazos Valley, over a 240-mile alignment, using Japanese Shinkansen technology.

The Feb. 25 RFQ on Amtrak's procurement page invites prospective companies, joint ventures, contractors and subcontractors to submit their qualifications so Amtrak can create a shortlist of potential partners. The RFQ was first reported by the nonprofit Texas Rail Advocates, which supports the project.

The two-step process features the first RFQ stage and then a Request for Proposals phase to choose a final partner.

The partner "will be responsible for facilitating Amtrak's delivery of the project," the notice said, and "will provide advice, leadership, and support to Amtrak to allow Amtrak to successfully deliver the program."

The partner will not deliver or construct the train but "will be a source of sound professional design and construction expertise and judgement," the notice said. The train company seeks a partner that is "aware of and willing to enter into incentive/disincentive compensation structures to ensure the project is delivered in the most innovative and cost-efficient manner."

The idea for a Dallas to Houston bullet train has progressed in fits and starts since it was first pitched by Texas Central in 2009. With a price tag now as high as $33 billion, up from the original $10 billion, the plan stalled for years before winning new life from Amtrak's announcement it would partner.

Former President Joe Biden last April signaled his support and the Federal Railroad Administration's (FRA) environmental review process was completed in 2020. In September 2024, Amtrak was awarded a $64 million FRA grant to continue planning the line.

It remains to be seen whether the Trump administration will get behind the concept. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy last week launched an investigation into California's publicly funded high-speed rail authority, but said during a press conference that the administration supports other high-speed rail lines, singling out Brightline West for praise.

Amtrak's senior vice president of high speed rail development programs, Andy Byford, said last year that obstacles, like the right of eminent domain and FRA approval, have already been solidified. But the funding package remains a hurdle, he said, as well as spotty political support. Byford estimated it would take about a year to put together a full funding package, which would include public and private funds, and that the train could open by the early 2030s.

"I really do think, if we can pull it off, will be an absolute jewel in Texas' crown," said Byford, who was speaking at the Texas Rail Advocates Southwestern Rail Conference last April.

The project may have an important ally in Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, who is now chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, in charge of the oversight of the next surface transportation bill.

But some Texas Congressmen, like Republican Rep. Jake Ellzey, argue it's a land grab and that Texas Central has violated the Foreign Agents Registration Act. Much of the opposition in the Lone Star State is driven by resistance to the land acquisition plans.

Two anti-HSR bills have been introduced into the current legislative session. House Bill 663 would deny the use of eminent domain for high-speed rail, despite a Texas Supreme Court opinion that ruled otherwise. House Bill 1402 would ban public funds for high-speed rail even if operated by a private entity; block public funds for use on roads related to high-speed rail; and bar the state from accepting public money — like federal funds — for a high-speed rail project. Neither bill has seen any action since being introduced last November.

Meanwhile, Brightline executives have been traveling to Texas, meeting with lawmakers in Austin and with rail advocates like the Texas Passenger Rail Advisory Committee, Peter LeCody, head of the Texas Rail Advocates, told The Bond Buyer in February.