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By Theo Burman
Live News Reporter
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A newly released study projects that the proposed high-speed rail line linking Dallas and Houston could generate a $5 billion annual boost to Dallas County's gross domestic product (GDP) from 2029 to 2050.
The analysis, conducted by the Boston Consulting Group, was commissioned by the city of Dallas and forecasted the creation of more than 28,000 new jobs in the state.
Newsweek reached out to Texas Central, the project's developer, via email for comment.
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Why It Matters
The study offered the strongest economic case yet for proponents of the Dallas-Houston high-speed rail project, suggesting the bullet train could become a major driver of urban growth and job creation in North Texas. The projections of a $5 billion injection in recurring annual GDP come at a time when the project needs a boost, after facing opposition in the Texas state legislature.
What To Know
Boston Consulting Group's report, completed after more than six months of research, projected that a Dallas-to-Houston bullet train, which would cover the journey in around 90 minutes, would provide a consistent $5 billion annual increase to Dallas County's GDP between 2029 and 2050.
The rail line, if constructed, could support 28,300 new jobs and attract between 3 million and 6.5 million riders during its first full year of operations, which the report predicted would be 2035.
This is generally in line with recent statements from Texas Central. The company said in a recent hearing on the project that the build schedule would take between 80 and 86 months after planning is complete this year.
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The study found that economic benefits would depend heavily on the train's route through Dallas. However, the report could not provide a definitive return on investment for specific routes, in part because federal funding for the project was recently withdrawn.
The U.S. Department of Transportation has ended a $63.9 million grant previously awarded to Amtrak for the development of the train.
The researchers considered not only the core Dallas-Houston line but also potential extensions to Fort Worth and Arlington, which could further increase capital investment by $6 billion and attract 2.1–3 million additional passengers annually.
Despite the positive economic forecasts, the bullet train faces multiple political and legal hurdles, including disputes over route alignments.
What People Are Saying
Representative Cody Harris, a member of the state legislature who has opposed the rail project, told Newsweek: "We will not hand over Texas taxpayer money or land for a project the voters did not choose.
"In 2017, Texas Central Railroad asked cities and counties to agree to pay for maintenance on its proposed system, despite the fact they would not even pay property tax on land they acquired through eminent domain."
Texas Central told Newsweek: "No other state can match Texas' healthy, 'can-do' business environment—or better understands how to meet the needs of its people. The project will improve mobility and safety for Texans, create significant new jobs, and accelerate economic growth in the Lone Star State."
What Happens Next
The environmental and engineering review process is expected to continue through at least 2025, with local and federal agencies cooperating on regulatory and legal assessment.
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