2 replies to this topic

[CNJRoss]

RT&S, 6/14/22

 

With no one left in charge, is high-speed rail dead in Texas?

 

 

Executives are ghosting high-speed rail in the state of Texas.

 

Texas Central’s CEO and President Carlos Aguilar has stepped down from the endeavor, and according to sources the rail line no longer has any officials running the ship.

 

In his resignation statement, Aguilar said he was proud of the accomplishments of Texas Central, including end to end regulatory approvals for the first true high-speed rail project in the U.S. He said the project was the most conscientious and complex endeavor that carefully addressed concerns from landowners and stakeholders, and provided opportunities to all sectors of society.

 

Texas Central, however, is still searching for much needed cash and is facing a lawsuit. Aguilar admitted that he could not align current stakeholders on a common vision for a path forward.  . . .

 

 

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[KevinKorell]

A shame.   Texas needed something to directly connect its two largest cities, something that Amtrak doesn't even do.    And Texas Central was supposed to have been aligned with Amtrak to allow through ticketing between the HSR and Amtrak trains through Dallas and Houston.

[CNJRoss]

Railway Age, 6/15/22

 

Aguilar Quits. Is Texas Central Dead?

 

 

Texas Central, the embattled high-speed rail project in the Lone Star State, appears to have taken a major step toward its own demise, as CEO and President of Texas Central Partners Carlos F. Aguilar stepped down on Sunday, June 12. From a non-legal standpoint, this appears to leave the project adrift after Aguilar had led it through a period of hope and through a sudden downturn in its legal fortunes. Legally, it is unclear that Aguilar’s departure will mean much, in light of an impending ruling by the Texas Supreme Court that would stop the project in its tracks, none of which have yet been built.

 

Aguilar announced his resignation not on the Texas Central website, but in a post on his LinkedIn page. He began his statement by saying: “Given news reports in the international press today, I am announcing my departure from Texas Central.” He went on to praise his co-workers and the early accomplishments of the project when it appeared that the ambitious plan to build HSR from Dallas to a park-and-ride facility near Houston would come to fruition. He said: “I am immensely proud of the achievements of OUR team, gaining among many other accomplishments, end-to-end regulatory approvals for the first true high-speed rail project in our nation’s history. This was a most conscientious and complex endeavor, carefully addressing concerns from landowners and stakeholders, and providing opportunities to all sectors of our society, a FIRST for U.S. infrastructure” (emphasis in original).

 

In his statement, Aguilar acknowledged reality while expressing hope for the future, saying, “While I could not align our current stakeholders on a common vision for a path forward, I wish the project the greatest success and remain convinced of the importance of this venture for the safety and prosperity of ALL Texans. Texas and the U.S. deserve the best transportation options, and I am convinced that in time, these will become a reality.” He concluded with: “We can do this!” 

 

 

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