CAMPO to Central TX: No Rail for You

The Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization transportation policy board (CAMPO) approved removing Lone Star Rail from its long-range plan. The move halts planning of a potential regional rail project to link San Antonio, Austin and Georgetown, TX.

CAMPO, made up of local elected officials, removed the $2-billion plan from the agency’s 2040 long-range transportation plan, due to lack of unanimous support. Earlier this year, Union Pacific Corp. terminated an agreement with the Lone Star Rail District that would have allowed commuter rail to use the freight company’s existing lines. In the following months, no viable routes were suggested, despite spending $30 million in state and federal funds.

Though LSRD has been rendered ineffective, CAMPO officials are attempting to find alternatives, such as working with Amtrak to increase service in the Central Texas corridor.

For comments, questions or concerns, please contact Amy Sorter