HIGH SPEED TRANSPORTATION STUDY UPDATE IS PRESENTED AT THE REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION COUNCIL
VIA AND RAPID FEATURED ON EPISODE OF DISCOVERY CHANNEL ’ S “ ITS HOW YOU GET THERE ”
After a series of public meetings , the North Central Texas Council of Governments presented an update on Phase 1 of the High Speed Transportation study at the Regional Transportation Council on July 8 , 2021 .
The study is evaluating high-speed transportation alternatives to modernize and enhance travel between Dallas , Arlington and Fort Worth . The presentation provided Phase 1 study recommendations , which include an alignment that follows I-30 with stations in Arlington , Dallas , and Fort Worth .
Mode recommendations from the study were also highlighted and included high-speed rail , a decades-old proven technology , and hyperloop , an innovative and rapidly advancing technology .
Public and agency engagement efforts were highlighted , including meetings with elected officials , federal agencies , working groups , public engagement , and stakeholder meetings . Comments received to date have expressed general support for the I-30 alignments , support for both hyperloop and high-speed rail , questions on the connectivity with Dallas to Houston high speed rail , and questions related to alignment and station location specifics .
Capable of traveling up to 250 mph on a fixed schedule , high-speed transportation provides an alternative to driving across town , including during the peak traffic hours , and could also change how North Texans access other regions . In time , the technology selected will offer a connection to other planned high-speed transportation systems .
During Phase 2 , preliminary engineering activities will be conducted , as well a National Environmental Policy Act ( NEPA ) effort that will result in a “ Record of Decision ” or “ Finding Of No Significant Impact ” for the project . A two year time frame is expected for Phase 2 of the study .
Arlington ’ s innovative public transportation services Via & RAPID were featured in an episode of Its How You Get There shown on The Discovery Channel . The show ’ s two hosts explored Arlington using the Via rideshare service with former Arlington Mayor Jeff Williams .
“ We have spent a meager amount of money yet we ’ re moving citizens around better than any city in the Metroplex because of Via ,” explained former Mayor Williams .
The episode illustrated how Via could be taken to popular Arlington destinations such as UT Arlington , Texas Live , Downtown Arlington , and the Entertainment District .
Lastly , RAPID was featured to show off the country ’ s first on-demand autonomous vehicle service which is integrated with Via ’ s existing rideshare service .
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