UPDATE: The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has just announced a groundbreaking initiative to expand transit options statewide, anticipating a staggering 40% population growth by 2050. This transformative “Texas plan” aims to modernize and diversify transportation across the state, addressing the urgent need for improved public transit amid a climate of uncertainty in North Texas.
With cities like Plano, Irving, and Highland Park considering withdrawal from DART services, the timing of this announcement couldn’t be more critical. TxDOT’s ambitious Texas Statewide Multimodal Transit Plan 2050 outlines a comprehensive framework designed to connect urban and rural areas effectively, moving beyond reliance on major highways.
TxDOT Media Relations Director Adam Hammons emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “There’s a lot of people involved in transportation planning, and so there’s a lot we got to do… We need to have that plan in place to look to the future.” Public comments on the plan can be submitted online until November 20, 2023, before it goes to the TxDOT commission for final approval.
Peter LeCody, president of the Texas Rail Advocates, hailed the plan as “transformative,” urging immediate action to secure Texas’s transportation future. He noted the necessity of long-term solutions, stating, “As the highways become more expensive to build and maintain, what are we going to do in the future?”
The plan focuses on a statewide route and hub network to streamline connections between major cities, including the critical Texas Triangle (Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, Austin). LeCody warned that inefficient transit options could lead to significant ridership losses, saying, “If you’ve got to change somewhere in between, you’re going to lose probably 30 to 50% of your ridership.”
This new approach aims to fill governance gaps and enhance collaboration among various transportation agencies. TxDOT’s initiative is not just a logistical overhaul; it is a necessary response to the growing needs of Texas residents who rely on accessible and efficient transit systems every day.
As the public weighs in on the transit plan, the importance of effective communication and stakeholder involvement cannot be overstated. Local leaders and residents are encouraged to engage with the planning process as this critical initiative unfolds.
Stay tuned for more updates as TxDOT moves forward with this ambitious plan to keep Texas moving. The future of transportation in the Lone Star State is at a pivotal moment, and your voice can help shape its trajectory.
