[af_vet_rr]

What I want to know, is why Cap Metro even bought those two lines?

Because with everything that is coming, the toll roads, etc., eventually mass transit will be very attractive - not because it's the best way, but because of all of the other crap that will make it the cheapest way. Perry has had the hots for mass transit since he came into office, among many other things, and mass transit is a big talking point with many of the plans pushed forward by the various regional authorities/groups he set up (or those under him setup).

I want something useful - like a dedicated, semi-high speed rail between San Antonio and Austin (i.e. a rail line with underpasses or overpasses for cars, so that it's not slowed down at RR crossings) - doesn't even have to be all that high speed - a nonstop train running at 75mph would make the trip between SA and Austin very fast.

No offense to those folks in Manor, Elgin, Giddings, Leander, etc., but if/when you all get rail back and forth to Austin, it's going to be empty - not that those aren't nice places to visit or live in.

[Arrowhead1952]

a nonstop train running at 75mph would make the trip between SA and Austin very fast.

That is part of the TTC Perry wants to have built. My understanding for the high speed trains is that they will have north and south bound rails. No need for sidings to pull of to let other trains pass.

Cargo rail traffic will be on the main part of the TTC, with the high speed rail going into and thru the larger cities.