San Antonio–Austin Rail Corridor Gains Momentum as funding & Political Support Align
SAN ANTONIO, TX – Transit advocates and officials are intensifying efforts to establish a passenger rail line connecting San Antonio and Austin, citing growing private sector interest, increased federal funding opportunities, and a shifting political landscape. Teh push comes as a new Amtrak route between New Orleans and Mobile, Alabama, demonstrates strong ridership, and despite a recent history of federal pullback from some transit projects.
According to remarks made at a recent transportation conference, the corridor is experiencing “aligning stars” with both willingness and private-sector interest.”I think it could be done, if there’s the funding, the political will,” stated Jeff Mays, outlining the key requirements for the project’s success.
While the Trump administration previously scaled back funding for bike lanes and recreational trails-recently withdrawing numerous federal grants-speakers at the conference indicated a more receptive stance toward passenger rail. John Robert Smith, chairman of the Transportation for America advocacy group, highlighted the administration’s addition of $400 million to the federal Railroad Administration’s Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements Program. “It could all go to freight, but that’s not what’s going to happen,” Smith added.
Amtrak President Roger Harris described the company’s relationship with the administration as “very positive,” noting a collaborative effort to understand and meet the administration’s expectations. He contrasted the current administration’s view with the previous one, stating, ”They realize that rail is meaningful and I think they realize that there are a lot of people in this country…who think that rail’s time has come.”
The potential benefits for San Antonio were emphasized by Ortiz Jones, who pointed to the city’s growing population, notably on the South and West Sides.She noted that the average San Antonio household spends 22 percent of its income on transportation, exceeding the recommended 15 percent. Jones, a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, drew on her experience with European rail systems, stating, “Literally spend five minutes in Europe and it’s like, ‘Why can’t we have nice things?'”
The August launch of Amtrak’s Mardi Gras route between new Orleans and Mobile has already exceeded expectations, with seats frequently selling out on days when the New Orleans Saints play at home, according to Todd Stennis, Amtrak’s government affairs director for the southern region.
