A Journey on Japan’s Shinkansen: Insights from Texas Leaders
NAGOYA, Japan – As the sleek white train with a blue streak and a bullet-shaped head pierced the late-morning mist, it became a symbol of efficiency and modernity. This was no ordinary train; it was the Shinkansen, Japan’s famed bullet train, known for its speed and punctuality. Onboard were Texas Governor Greg Abbott and a delegation of economic development leaders, embarking on a journey that would not only take them to Tokyo but also provide them with a firsthand experience of a transportation marvel that has been operational for over 60 years.
The Experience of Riding the Shinkansen
As the Texans settled into car 11, they were advised to grab seats on the left side for an unobstructed view of Mount Fuji, which would grace their journey midway through the 90-minute trip. The interior of the train was a testament to Japanese craftsmanship, featuring white leather seats crafted by Toyota that were wider than those typically found on American trains and planes. This extra room allowed passengers to recline comfortably without encroaching on the space of those behind them. The train was immaculate, with large windows providing a panoramic view of the picturesque Japanese landscape and overhead bins that dwarfed those found in commercial aircraft.
The ride itself was a smooth experience, reaching speeds of up to 185 mph. Passengers engaged in various activities—some took naps, others scrolled through their phones or read. While food service was not available in Abbott’s car, it is a common feature on many bullet train journeys. The atmosphere was serene, punctuated only by the soft hum of wind and the gentle chatter of passengers.
A Business Mission with a Twist
While the train ride was not part of the official business agenda, it served as a convenient travel option for Abbott, who has taken this route on several previous trips to Japan. However, it piqued the interest of many Texans who were eager to see how such advanced technology could influence travel and economic development back home.
Texas has long been intrigued by the concept of high-speed rail, but efforts to bring it to fruition have faced numerous obstacles, including high costs, political opposition, and concerns from landowners along proposed routes. Yet, the dream of high-speed rail remains alive among business leaders who see its potential to transform Texas into a more interconnected state.
The Potential of High-Speed Rail in Texas
Jenna Saucedo-Herrera, an economic development professional from San Antonio, articulated the transformative potential of high-speed rail. “The Shinkansen unlocks so much potential to connect different cities here in Japan because of the ease of moving around,” she noted. She emphasized that a similar system in Texas could significantly enhance the movement of goods and people, particularly between urban centers like San Antonio and Austin.
Imagine reducing the 60-minute drive time between these cities to a swift train ride, opening up economic opportunities and fostering regional collaboration. Saucedo-Herrera highlighted the possibility of extending this connectivity further, linking Dallas to Oklahoma and southward to Monterrey, Mexico.
The Challenges of Implementing High-Speed Rail
Despite the enthusiasm, the reality of implementing high-speed rail in Texas is fraught with challenges. Governor Abbott has expressed skepticism about the feasibility of such projects, particularly regarding funding and land acquisition. He has made it clear that he would not support any project requiring state funding and opposes the use of eminent domain to acquire land for rail routes.
The proposed Dallas to Houston high-speed rail project, a collaboration between Texas Central Partners and Japan Central Railways, has faced significant delays. Originally slated for groundbreaking in 2021, the project has been stalled due to opposition from landowners and internal company issues. Abbott reiterated his stance during an interview in Tokyo, emphasizing that the project should be a partnership between the federal government and private investors, without burdening Texas taxpayers.
Federal Support and Local Opposition
The Dallas-Houston project recently received a $63.9 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation, a small step toward the billions needed to make the project a reality. However, local opposition remains strong. U.S. Rep. Jake Ellzey, representing areas in East Texas, voiced his support for landowners who resist selling their property for the project. He argued against using taxpayer money for what he termed an “unnecessary project” that could disrupt rural communities.
Andy Byford, vice president of high-speed rail for Amtrak, acknowledged the concerns of property owners but emphasized the broader benefits of high-speed rail. He noted that the success of such projects often requires difficult decisions and compromises, much like the construction of interstate highways in the past.
A Vision for the Future
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has expressed optimism about the potential for high-speed rail in Texas, citing the state’s unique geography and population distribution. He believes that once the first true high-speed rail project is realized in America, it will set a precedent for similar initiatives across the country.
As Texas grapples with the complexities of high-speed rail, the experience of riding the Shinkansen has left a lasting impression on Abbott and his delegation. The efficiency, comfort, and speed of Japan’s bullet trains serve as a powerful reminder of what is possible when innovative transportation solutions are embraced.
In the words of Saucedo-Herrera, “Our state is so large that it makes sense” to think big about transportation. The journey from Nagoya to Tokyo may have been just one leg of a larger mission, but it encapsulated the aspirations and challenges facing Texas as it contemplates its own high-speed rail future.