Travis, Bexar County judges talk passenger rail expansion

Travis County Judge Andy Brown and Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai recently met with representatives from Union Pacific Railroad to discuss passenger rail expansion in Central Texas, according to a release from Brown's office.

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Travis County Judge Andy Brown and Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai recently met with representatives from Union Pacific Railroad to discuss passenger rail expansion in Central Texas, according to a release from Brown's office.

The release said Brown and Sakai talked to Union about their ongoing partnerships with passenger agencies, like Amtrak, that operate trains on their freight network between Austin and San Antonio.

They also talked about models for partnerships that expand passenger and freight options across the country, according to the release.

Brown and Sakai also "welcomed further collaboration with Union Pacific to find solutions to expand passenger rail and freight railroad services through Central Texas, South Texas, and into Mexico," the release noted.

"Union Pacific understands the importance of building rail network partnerships, and we look forward to working together to find creative solutions to expand passenger rail service for two of the fastest-growing metros in the country,” Brown said. 

“As we move forward, our priority is to continue engaging in ongoing discussions with Union Pacific and seeking solutions to address transportation challenges between Austin and San Antonio,” said Sakai.