By Samantha Smith

As the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO) voted to oust the Lone Star Rail Program earlier this month, the concept of creating a high-speed passenger rail in Texas hasn’t left the station just yet. 

According to a report by KXAN, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Rail Division released a study on the feasibility of a high-speed rail line between Oklahoma and Texas.

According to the article, TxDOT met in Austin Aug. 10 to give the public a chance to review the initial study of the proposed rail line that measures approximately 850 miles. 

According to TxDOT, the feasibility study concentrated on developing a rail that could be either Amtrak-style and use existing tracks, or a true high-speed rail line option.

The different rail options consist of a conventional rail that would utilize existing tracks; trains would travel at speeds of 70 to 90 miles per hour. A secondary option would involve a higher speed rail line that utilizes existing tracks, as well as a few new rail lines, where trains could travel at speeds of 110 to 125 mph. 

The true high-speed rail option would require completely new rail lines to be constructed for high-speed train cars only that travel at speeds from 165 to 220 mph. 

The study also determined the environmental impacts and construction costs of the proposed rail line.

TxDOT, according to the report, is encouraging public comment and involvement through mailed in comments to its Austin location or in person comment. 

The final environmental impact study is due to be complete by late 2016. 

Kyle Mayor Todd Webster was unaware of TxDOT’s new study but said from where he sits, “there will have to be regional transportation systems.”

Webster said the reality of a passenger rail system in Texas may not be far in the future, but right around the corner.

“There is an opportunity, if it’s planned right, to get cars off the road. If the legislature wanted to invest in a passenger rail system it would want to see studies from TxDOT first,” Webster said.

According to TxDOT, the cost of the study has been covered primarily through state and federal grants, but construction of the proposed railway would be funded through the public sector.

Kyle City Council member Damon Fogley said he didn’t believe council would be willing to provide funds for such a rail line. 

“I’m not anti-rail, but we’re stretched on funding as it is,” said Fogley.