TEXAS — Texas Central released details of the interior of the high speed train that will take riders from Dallas to Houston in less than 90 minutes.
This is the first time they have released details since the project was announced in 2014.
The biggest feature? The company said they are eliminating the middle seat. The train also has wider aisles, improved lighting and audio/visual signals for train arrivals and departures.
And if you are looking to travel First Class, they have the following perks:
- WIDE aisles: 32” (wider than a regional jet)
- Ample space: 32” of legroom and 41” seat pitch (nearly a foot of total added space compared to flying first-class)
- All seats recline, optimized to offer best recline without disturbing the passenger in rear
- No seatbelts
They also said that compared to commercial airlines, the train will have larger windows for riders to view the great state of Texas. They will be twice the size of the average airplane window.
Each window will have blinds and UV safety glass.
They said the train will be accommodating for all Texans, and the restrooms will also be ADA accessible, convenient, and allow for contiguous and smooth access from adjoining cars during the less than 90-minute travel time.
Texas Central said that they will also accommodate service animals.
They have the following timeline for completion listed on their site.
PROJECT TIMELINE
- 2026: Commercial service fully operational
- 2025: Testing and commissioning period begins
- 2020: Federal approvals (EIS and RPA), construction starts
- October 2019: Business and Workforce Opportunity Policy announced
- September 2019: Construction build contract: Salini Impregilo, Lane Construction
- September 2019: FRA begins rulemaking for safety regulations (RPA)
- February 2019: Financial Advisors: Citi and MUFG
- May 2018: Joint ticketing agreement announced with Amtrak; Program manager: Bechtel
- December 2017: DEIS is released by FRA, final route and station locations selected
- February 2017: Milestone reached on land acquisition (30%)
- July 2015: First round of capital raised from Texas investors
- June 2014: Project EIS process begins
