High-Speed Rail Potential in South Texas

 

Research by:
Cambrian College, Business Analytics

 

Tikam Rai, Nikesh Lama, and Essam Ismail

 

Date: June 18th, 2025

 

This report comprehensively analyzes the high-speed rail potential between the Rio Grande Valley and the Laredo Metro Area in South Texas. Leveraging geospatial analysis with QGIS and the Gravity Model for transportation planning, our findings indicate a significant potential for passenger traffic between these two burgeoning regions. The Rio Grande Valley, with a 2020 population of 948,877, and the Laredo Metro Area, with 262,646 residents, represent a substantial demographic base for a high-speed rail corridor. Based on 146 miles between the approximate midpoints of these areas, our calculations suggest an annual passenger volume of approximately 2.92 million. Furthermore, projecting a conservative 30% capture rate for highspeed rail translates to over 876,000 potential annual high-speed rail passengers. These figures underscore the economic viability and strategic importance of investing in advanced transportation infrastructure to foster regional connectivity and sustainable growth in South Texas.