Reader Rail Idea

8/9/2019 Reader Rail Idea

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June 28, 2010

Ms. Peggy Thurin, P.E.Statewide Transportation Plan 2035Texas Department of Transportation4544 Post Oak Place, Suite 224Houston, TX 77027Ms. Thurin:I am writing this open letter to you pursuant to the TxDOT website with my ideas and proposal forconsideration in the upcoming Statewide Transportation Plan 2035. It is my hope that I can help providea different perspective. I believe that, if left unchecked, the improper development of the Interstate 45corridor will place in detriment the future growth and vitality of the two largest metropolitan areas inthis State. I also believe that, especially from TxDOT's perspective, there should be a wide-angle view ofthe overall transportation plan between these two cities, and it is my attempt herein to constructivelyand strategically approach this pressing matter.As you know, some of the current issues that are facing these areas in Texas include:


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While the high speed rail concept is by no means new, the key components to my proposal are: The generation of a system to connect Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, Dallas Love Field,

George Bush Airport, and Houston Hobby with a roil tine inside of TSA checkpoints.The construction of a secured system connecting these four airports will allow for highersecurity of air travel, as guests on board the train would be subject not only to initial TSAscreening at the airports, but also random on-train searches at the TSA's discretion. This alsoallows fo r Southwest, United/Continental, and American Airlines to reduce Dallas to Houstonservice, as well as bundle train service in their ticket sales that would otherwise require aDallas/Houston air connection (similar to bundled air/rail tickets sold across the EuropeanUnion).

The construction of the rail tine above Interstate 45 between Interstate 20 and the Hardy TollRoad, with two toll lanes in each direction, thereby doubting the capacity of the Freeway.The construction of a line in this fashion will allow for well needed road expansion of this crucialtraffic corridor, as well as get Dallas and Houston a passenger rail connection that it does notcurrently have. This may also serve as a model fo r toll road expansion statewide (i.e. wherethere is a toll road, there too will be a rail line), including the LBJ corridor here in Dallas. Tolls onthe elevated portion of the freeway will help offset the construction costs, provide partialrevenue to maintain the existing stretch of road, and possibly may be a way to help expedite


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A profit sharing agreement between the line and the three airlines impacted by this line'sconstruction.

The profit sharing agreement with the impacted airlines would generally be structured so that: The proceeds f rom the sale of existing planes serving the Dallas and Houston markets would be

used to help cover any gap between money collected through bond sales and federal grants andthat needed to construct the line. An agreement to reduce the overall plane service between these two cities by a fixedpercentage once the new rail line is completely operational.

A profit sharing plan fo r a fixed period oftime, such as ten to twenty years, that distributes aportion of the profits back to these three airlines based on the current market share each airlineholds.

Generation of the market share would be calculated as follows: On June 28, 2010:o Southwest has 21 nonstop f lights from Dallas and Houston, and 26 nonstop flights from

Houston to Dallas. Southwest uses Boeing 737 aircraft fo r these flights, which seatapproximately 120 passengers, and is charging $139 per passenger.


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Increased energy eff iciency and the pioneering of a new high speed rail system andadministration.

This also has the potential to serve as a model for other areas nationally that have close yet eithercompeting airline hubs or busy airports, such as Detroit and Chicago (Delta and United), and Las Vegasand Los Angeles. Employment of similar strategies in areas like these can help further address theoversupply of airline seats, as well as address the need nationally fo r a viable rail alternative betweenmajor population centers.I appreciate your time and consideration of my proposal fo r inclusion in the Statewide TransportationPlan 2035. I hope that I am able to inject new ideas from which an improvement in the Dallas/Houstontransportation situation comes forth, as well as ways that help Texas continue to lead nationally. I wishyou and TxDOT the best of luck on the creation of this Plan, and I look forward to its creation andexecution. Should I be of any service to you or TxDOT, please don't hesitate to contact me.

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