SAN ANTONIO — A high speed rail connection is in its early planning stages between San Antonio and Monterrey Mexico. If built, the rail line would connect two border trade hubs.
It’s 300 miles between San Antonio and Monterrey. But it’s not the distance that’s the problem for travelers. It’s hang-ups at the border, congestion on the highway and the threat of violence.
Congressman Henry Cuellar, a Democrat from Laredo, says there are talks underway between Texas and Mexico build a high speed rail that could make the trip in two hours.
“It’s good for business, it’s good for tourism for both sides of the border," Cuellar said.
Cuellar said officials from the Texas Department of Transportation will be traveling to Mexico to begin the planning process. But Mexican officials say they are fully on board for the project.
"The Mexicans already have a presidential permit to go from Monterrey to Columbia/Laredo and they have already acquired the right of way," Cuellar said.
Cuellar said the feasibility studies will be complete next year and if all goes well the first train could roll out in 2021.