Texas bullet train with Japan tech aims for revival with federal grant

Stalled project supported by JR Central and Hitachi taps government cash

20240104N Texas train station

The proposed high-speed train would travel between Houston and Dallas in 90 minutes. (Texas Central)

RYOSUKE HANAFUSA, Nikkei staff writer

HOUSTON, U.S. -- The U.S. federal government has awarded a planning grant to a proposed high-speed rail line in Texas to be built with technology from Japan's shinkansen bullet trains, for a project that has faced delays and ballooning costs.

The proposed train service between Houston and Dallas could cover the 390 kilometers between the cities in 90 minutes. The main developer is private-sector company Texas Central, with Japanese companies such as Central Japan Railway and Hitachi providing technical support. Plans call for producing rolling stock and other technology developed for Japan's shinkansen bullet trains, adapted to Texas specifications.

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