Austin, October 23, 2025
News Summary
Travis County Commissioners have unanimously approved a $124,953 feasibility study to assess the potential for a high-speed commuter rail connecting Austin to San Antonio. The study, set for completion in March 2026, aims to explore an 80-90 mile rail line designed to alleviate congestion on I-35. It will evaluate existing rail infrastructure and service options, with hopes of securing funding from regional partners. County officials emphasize the importance of this initiative to ease commuting between the two cities as they continue to grow.
Austin
Travis County Approves Feasibility Study for High-Speed Commuter Rail Linking Austin and San Antonio
Travis County Commissioners voted unanimously to approve a $124,953 study by HNTB Corporation. The study aims to explore the possibility of linking Austin to San Antonio via high-speed commuter rail and is scheduled for completion in March 2026. The proposed commuter rail line would extend approximately 80-90 miles between Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and downtown San Antonio, running between State Highway 130 and Interstate 10. County officials and regional leaders say the initiative is intended to ease commuting between Austin and San Antonio and reduce congestion on I-35.
Key Details and Immediate Impacts
The feasibility study will assess existing rail infrastructure and potential service options along state highways and interstate routes. The new study seeks to identify the feasibility of using existing right-of-way along state highways to minimize land acquisition needs. If the study finds the route feasible, the project will need to secure funding partners like Bexar County and decide on the operating entity (e.g., TxDOT or Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority).
TxDOT forecasts a 42% increase in daily vehicle miles traveled by 2050, potentially causing delays of 12 to 36 minutes. TxDOT is simultaneously conducting a study for adding a passenger line along the existing railway near Interstate 35, but it faces challenges due to freight operations by Union Pacific. Previous discussions with Union Pacific to operate the route fell through in 2016.
Regional Context and Funding History
Travis County Judge Andy Brown has been advocating for the commuter rail initiative, citing transportation infrastructure challenges in the growing metroplex. There has been regional support from Travis and Bexar counties for connecting Austin and San Antonio to Texas Central’s line, with a request for state funding. Since 2009, Texas Central has been working on a high-speed rail project between Dallas and Houston, now collaborating with Amtrak. Texas Central has only acquired about 25% of the land necessary for its high-speed rail project, facing significant land acquisition costs.
Last year, $63.9 million in federal funding was sought last year, but funds were withdrawn by the Trump administration in April. The new Travis County study is intended to clarify options and costs so local and regional leaders can pursue federal, state and local funding partners or public-private partnerships if the route is feasible.
Officials’ Position and Possible Timeline
Public interest in alternatives to I-35 congestion has increased as construction and growth have intensified along the corridor. Commissioner Shea emphasized public enthusiasm for alternatives to I-35 congestion, while Commissioner Jeff Travillion noted the importance of public transit options as the Austin-San Antonio corridor develops. Some local leaders indicate an expedited schedule could result in implementation within two years, potentially before I-35 reconstruction is completed, though typical project timelines depend on funding, permitting and land access.
What the Study Will Cover
- The study will assess existing rail infrastructure and potential service options along state highways and interstate routes.
- The study aims to explore the possibility of linking Austin to San Antonio via high-speed commuter rail.
- The proposed rail line would run between State Highway 130 and Interstate 10.
- The feasibility study is scheduled for completion in March 2026.
Next Steps
Following the study, officials will evaluate findings, pursue funding partners, and determine an operating entity. If the route is found feasible, the next stages will include design, environmental review, right-of-way acquisition and coordination with freight rail operators where necessary.
FAQ
What did Travis County Commissioners approve?
Travis County Commissioners voted unanimously to approve a $124,953 study by HNTB Corporation.
What is the aim of the study?
The study aims to explore the possibility of linking Austin to San Antonio via high-speed commuter rail.
What will the feasibility study assess?
The feasibility study will assess existing rail infrastructure and potential service options along state highways and interstate routes.
Where would the proposed rail line run?
The proposed rail line would run between State Highway 130 and Interstate 10.
How long would the proposed commuter rail line be and what terminals would it connect?
The proposed commuter rail line would extend approximately 80-90 miles between Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and downtown San Antonio.
When is the feasibility study expected to be completed?
The feasibility study is scheduled for completion in March 2026.
What are the relevant TxDOT forecasts and related challenges?
TxDOT forecasts a 42% increase in daily vehicle miles traveled by 2050, potentially causing delays of 12 to 36 minutes.
Is TxDOT conducting any related studies?
TxDOT is simultaneously conducting a study for adding a passenger line along the existing railway near Interstate 35, but it faces challenges due to freight operations by Union Pacific.
What is the status of Texas Central’s related project?
Since 2009, Texas Central has been working on a high-speed rail project between Dallas and Houston, now collaborating with Amtrak.
What funding history is relevant to these efforts?
$63.9 million in federal funding was sought last year, but funds were withdrawn by the Trump administration in April.
What right-of-way and land acquisition issues are noted?
Texas Central has only acquired about 25% of the land necessary for its high-speed rail project, facing significant land acquisition costs.
What operational and partnership questions remain?
If feasible, the project will need to secure funding partners like Bexar County and decide on the operating entity (e.g., TxDOT or Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority).
Were there prior discussions with freight operators?
Previous discussions with Union Pacific to operate the route fell through in 2016.
What public sentiment have officials reported?
Commissioner Shea emphasized public enthusiasm for alternatives to I-35 congestion, while Commissioner Jeff Travillion noted the importance of public transit options as the Austin-San Antonio corridor develops.
Key Features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Study approved | Travis County Commissioners voted unanimously to approve a $124,953 study by HNTB Corporation. |
| Purpose | The study aims to explore the possibility of linking Austin to San Antonio via high-speed commuter rail. |
| Route corridor | The proposed rail line would run between State Highway 130 and Interstate 10. |
| Estimated length | Approximately 80-90 miles between Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and downtown San Antonio. |
| Study completion | The feasibility study is scheduled for completion in March 2026. |
| Forecasted traffic impact | TxDOT forecasts a 42% increase in daily vehicle miles traveled by 2050, potentially causing delays of 12 to 36 minutes. |
| Related projects | Since 2009, Texas Central has been working on a high-speed rail project between Dallas and Houston, now collaborating with Amtrak. |
Timeline
| Date/Time | Event | Status / Source |
|---|---|---|
| Vote (Date not specified) | Travis County Commissioners approved a study by HNTB Corporation | Unanimous approval |
| March 2026 | Feasibility study completion | Scheduled |
| Since 2009 | Texas Central high-speed rail project development | Ongoing, now collaborating with Amtrak |
| 2016 | Previous discussions with Union Pacific to operate the route | Fell through |
| April (year not specified) | $63.9 million in federal funding was sought last year, but funds were withdrawn by the Trump administration in April | Withdrawn |
Statistics
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Additional Resources
- KVUE
- Wikipedia: Austin–San Antonio
- Railway Age
- Google Search: Austin San Antonio rail study
- Austin Monitor
- Google Scholar: High-speed Commuter Rail Austin San Antonio
- Spectrum Local News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Texas Rail System
- KXAN
- Google News: Austin San Antonio commuter rail
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The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
