How many people would use a planned bullet train between Dallas and Houston? There's been a lot of debate about that question.
On Wednesday Texas Central, the Dallas-based company behind the project, released the conclusions of a new study conducted by L.E.K. Consulting. The numbers are impressive:
Five million passengers annually could make the trip by the year 2026. That could account for nearly a quarter of all trips between Dallas and Houston. The study also concludes that most people would save about an hour by taking the train instead of flying or driving.
"This study demonstrates strong, pent-up demand for better travel options," said Texas Central CEO Tim Keith.
Opponents are skeptical. Texas Central paid for the study, and critics argue the company did not release enough details on how it was conducted.
"I hope nobody falls for it," said Kyle Workman, president of Texans Against High-Speed Rail.
Texas Central hopes to break ground on the project in about a year. Trains could be running as soon as 2022.
