A debate over eminent domain in Texas

Will Texas, with five of the 15 largest cities in the U.S., have the first bullet train in the country? Curbed partnered with the Texas Tribune for a deep dive into the land rights and bureaucratic debate around the project that’s already raised $425 million. The goal is a 90-minute ride to cover the 240-miles from Dallas and Houston, and ultimately, a “super economy” created by linking half the state’s population.

At the state Capitol, the bullet train represents the collision of two things that Republicans—who control Texas government—hold dear: private property rights and an unrestrained free market. And for two legislative sessions in a row, the free market has largely come out on top. The project has emerged relatively unscathed after bills aimed at hamstringing or killing it failed to get much traction.

• Texas
• transportation