TRANSPORTATION | The Texas Tribune

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src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150317213837im_/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/logos/TT-5thAnniversary-logo.png" width="453" height="50" alt="The Texas Tribune"></a></h1> <time datetime="2015-03-17T16:38:38.272237">Tuesday, March 17, 2015</time> </div> </header> </div> <div class="wrapper content-wrapper"> <div id="site_content" class="content index"> <header class="alt_header"><h1><a href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/transportation/">TRANSPORTATION</a></h1></header> <section class="topstory grid"> <article class=""> <div class="media large"> <a href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/12/house-budget-sets-debate-transportation/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150317213837im_/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/01/15/UP9A1123CMS_jpg_474x1000_q100.jpg" alt="State Rep. John Otto (right) proposes a constitutional amendment to use Rainy Day Fund money to pay off state debt during a news conference on Jan. 15, 2015. At left is state Rep. Jimmie Don Aycock, R-Killeen."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150317213837/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/01/15/UP9A1123CMS_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="State Rep. John Otto (right) proposes a constitutional amendment to use Rainy Day Fund money to pay off state debt during a news conference on Jan. 15, 2015. At left is state Rep. Jimmie Don Aycock, R-Killeen." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Marjorie Kamys Cotera</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">State Rep. John Otto (right) proposes a constitutional amendment to use Rainy Day Fund money to pay off state debt during a news conference on Jan. 15, 2015. At left is state Rep. Jimmie Don Aycock, R-Killeen.</div> </div> <div class="text_column"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/12/house-budget-sets-debate-transportation/">House Budget Plan Sets Stage for Transportation Funding Debate</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/aman-batheja/">Aman Batheja</a></li><li><time datetime="Thu, 12 Mar 2015 14:21:23 -0500" title="2015-03-12 14:21"> March 12, 2015 </time></li></ul> </header> <section class="summary"> <p><span>Texas House budget writers put the final touches Thursday on a two-year budget that offers a different approach to boosting funding for transportation from the Senate.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/12/house-budget-sets-debate-transportation/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> <aside class="related"> <header class="smallcaps"> <h2>Related</h2> </header> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/04/measure-use-car-sales-tax-highways-teachers/">Senate Approves Funneling Car Sales Tax to Highways</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/01/15/straus-offers-lean-budget-proposal/">Straus: Budget Plan Reflects Fiscal Discipline</a></li> </ul> </aside> </div> </article> </section> <div class="grid"> <div class="cell w-8 main_column"> <div class="hide-for-medium-down"> <article class=" item_1"> <div class="media medium"> <a href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/10/texting-while-driving-ban-voted-out-committee/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150317213837im_/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/02/09/TextandDrive_jpg_231x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150317213837/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/02/09/TextandDrive_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo illustration by: Todd Wiseman</cite> </div> </div> <div class="text_column"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/10/texting-while-driving-ban-voted-out-committee/">House Panel Endorses Texting-While-Driving Ban</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/edgar-walters/">Edgar Walters</a></li><li><time datetime="Tue, 10 Mar 2015 14:34:02 -0500" title="2015-03-10 14:34"> March 10, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/10/texting-while-driving-ban-voted-out-committee/comments/"><span class="value">1</span><span class="label">Comment</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="summary"> <p><span>A bill that would ban texting while driving passed its first legislative hurdle Tuesday when lawmakers voted it out of the House Transportation Committee.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/10/texting-while-driving-ban-voted-out-committee/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </div> </div> </article> <article class=" item_2"> <div class="media medium"> <a href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/06/texas-bill-would-allow-statewide-permits-uber-lyft/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150317213837im_/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/06/09/Uber-Lyft-Hybrid_jpg_231x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Uber and Lyft, two San Francisco-based transportation networking companies, have launched services in several Texas cities."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150317213837/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/06/09/Uber-Lyft-Hybrid_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Uber and Lyft, two San Francisco-based transportation networking companies, have launched services in several Texas cities." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo illustration by: Todd Wiseman</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Uber and Lyft, two San Francisco-based transportation networking companies, have launched services in several Texas cities.</div> </div> <div class="text_column"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/06/texas-bill-would-allow-statewide-permits-uber-lyft/">Paddie's Lyft-for-Hire Bill Runs Uber Cities</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/aman-batheja/">Aman Batheja</a></li><li><time datetime="Fri, 6 Mar 2015 15:57:29 -0600" title="2015-03-06 15:57"> March 6, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/06/texas-bill-would-allow-statewide-permits-uber-lyft/comments/"><span class="value">8</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="summary"> <p><span>With various Texas cities imposing different rules on vehicle-for-hire apps Uber and Lyft, state Rep. </span><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150317213837/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/chris-paddie/">Chris Paddie</a><span>, R-Marshall, is pushing a bill to let the state take over regulation of the services.</span></p> <p><span> </span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/06/texas-bill-would-allow-statewide-permits-uber-lyft/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </div> </div> </article> <article class=" item_3"> <div class="media medium"> <a href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/04/measure-use-car-sales-tax-highways-teachers/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150317213837im_/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/TxTrib_ConstructionWorkers_jpg_231x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Wokers along stretch of highway at US290/US 183 April 2011"> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150317213837/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/TxTrib_ConstructionWorkers_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Wokers along stretch of highway at US290/US 183 April 2011" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Marjorie Kamys Cotera</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Wokers along stretch of highway at US290/US 183 April 2011</div> </div> <div class="text_column"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/04/measure-use-car-sales-tax-highways-teachers/">Senate Approves Funneling Car Sales Tax to Highways</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/terri-langford/">Terri Langford</a></li><li><time datetime="Wed, 4 Mar 2015 14:23:41 -0600" title="2015-03-04 14:23"> March 4, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/04/measure-use-car-sales-tax-highways-teachers/comments/"><span class="value">8</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="summary"> <p><span>If voters approve, some of the taxes collected on car sales would be dedicated to building and fixing highways under the first two pieces of legislation to clear the Senate this session. Teachers might also see a pay boost under the measures.</span></p> <p><span> </span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/04/measure-use-car-sales-tax-highways-teachers/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </div> </div> </article> </div> <div class="show-for-medium-down"> <article class=" responsive-secondary"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/10/texting-while-driving-ban-voted-out-committee/">House Panel Endorses Texting-While-Driving Ban</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/edgar-walters/">Edgar Walters</a></li><li><time datetime="Tue, 10 Mar 2015 14:34:02 -0500" title="2015-03-10 14:34"> March 10, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/10/texting-while-driving-ban-voted-out-committee/comments/"><span class="value">1</span><span class="label">Comment</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/10/texting-while-driving-ban-voted-out-committee/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150317213837im_/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/02/09/TextandDrive_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150317213837/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/02/09/TextandDrive_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo illustration by: Todd Wiseman</cite> </div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>A bill that would ban texting while driving passed its first legislative hurdle Tuesday when lawmakers voted it out of the House Transportation Committee.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/10/texting-while-driving-ban-voted-out-committee/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class=" responsive-secondary"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/06/texas-bill-would-allow-statewide-permits-uber-lyft/">Paddie's Lyft-for-Hire Bill Runs Uber Cities</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/aman-batheja/">Aman Batheja</a></li><li><time datetime="Fri, 6 Mar 2015 15:57:29 -0600" title="2015-03-06 15:57"> March 6, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/06/texas-bill-would-allow-statewide-permits-uber-lyft/comments/"><span class="value">8</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/06/texas-bill-would-allow-statewide-permits-uber-lyft/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150317213837im_/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/06/09/Uber-Lyft-Hybrid_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Uber and Lyft, two San Francisco-based transportation networking companies, have launched services in several Texas cities."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150317213837/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/06/09/Uber-Lyft-Hybrid_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Uber and Lyft, two San Francisco-based transportation networking companies, have launched services in several Texas cities." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo illustration by: Todd Wiseman</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Uber and Lyft, two San Francisco-based transportation networking companies, have launched services in several Texas cities.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>With various Texas cities imposing different rules on vehicle-for-hire apps Uber and Lyft, state Rep. </span><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150317213837/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/chris-paddie/">Chris Paddie</a><span>, R-Marshall, is pushing a bill to let the state take over regulation of the services.</span></p> <p><span> </span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/06/texas-bill-would-allow-statewide-permits-uber-lyft/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class=" responsive-secondary"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/04/measure-use-car-sales-tax-highways-teachers/">Senate Approves Funneling Car Sales Tax to Highways</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/terri-langford/">Terri Langford</a></li><li><time datetime="Wed, 4 Mar 2015 14:23:41 -0600" title="2015-03-04 14:23"> March 4, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/04/measure-use-car-sales-tax-highways-teachers/comments/"><span class="value">8</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/04/measure-use-car-sales-tax-highways-teachers/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150317213837im_/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/TxTrib_ConstructionWorkers_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Wokers along stretch of highway at US290/US 183 April 2011"> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150317213837/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/TxTrib_ConstructionWorkers_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Wokers along stretch of highway at US290/US 183 April 2011" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Marjorie Kamys Cotera</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Wokers along stretch of highway at US290/US 183 April 2011</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>If voters approve, some of the taxes collected on car sales would be dedicated to building and fixing highways under the first two pieces of legislation to clear the Senate this session. Teachers might also see a pay boost under the measures.</span></p> <p><span> </span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/04/measure-use-car-sales-tax-highways-teachers/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> </div> <div class="cell w-6 gap hide-for-medium-down left_rail"> <section class="folder"> <div class="tab data"> <hgroup> <h1>Featured Data</h1> <h2> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150317213837/http://apps.texastribune.org/perry-legacy/transportation">A Toll Road Plan "as Big as Texas"</a> </h2> <ul class="meta separator short"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/aman-batheja/">Aman Batheja</a></li><li><time datetime="Wed, 31 Dec 2014 06:00:00 -0600" title="2014-12-31 06:00"> Dec. 31, 2014 </time></li></ul> </hgroup> <div class="content"> <div class="media sidebar" <a href="http://apps.texastribune.org/perry-legacy/transportation"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150317213837im_/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/12/19/_0000_perrylegacy-share_transpo.png_1_jpg_300x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150317213837/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/12/19/_0000_perrylegacy-share_transpo.png_1_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> </div> </div> <ul class="actions simple"> <li> <a href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/library/data/"><span>+</span> More Data</a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </section> <aside class="ad_container sidebar_block"> <div class="sponsor_image_holder"> <div class="ad adunit tablet standard" data-dimensions="300x250" data-adunit="TexasTribune_Content_Home_BTF_LeftRail1_TTRectangle_300x250"> </div> </div> </aside> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/27/single-sticker-car-registration-could-bring/">Car Sticker Rules Starting Sunday Could Confuse Drivers</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/ryan-mccrimmon/">Ryan McCrimmon</a></li><li><time datetime="Fri, 27 Feb 2015 15:53:16 -0600" title="2015-02-27 15:53"> Feb. 27, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/27/single-sticker-car-registration-could-bring/comments/"><span class="value">35</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/27/single-sticker-car-registration-could-bring/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150317213837im_/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/02/27/Inspection_Sticker_copy_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Inspection stickers will begin disappearing from Texas vehicles when the state rolls out a new single-sticker program for inspection and registration on March 1, 2015."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150317213837/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/02/27/Inspection_Sticker_copy_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Inspection stickers will begin disappearing from Texas vehicles when the state rolls out a new single-sticker program for inspection and registration on March 1, 2015." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Ryan McCrimmon</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Inspection stickers will begin disappearing from Texas vehicles when the state rolls out a new single-sticker program for inspection and registration on March 1, 2015.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>A new single-sticker system for inspecting and registering millions of Texas vehicles begins on Sunday, and some lawmakers are warning that the change will confuse Texas drivers.</p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/27/single-sticker-car-registration-could-bring/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/25/lawmaker-files-bill-could-stop-proposed-bullet-tra/">Lawmaker's Bill a Silver Bullet to Stop Train</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/aman-batheja/">Aman Batheja</a></li><li><time datetime="Wed, 25 Feb 2015 18:12:48 -0600" title="2015-02-25 18:12"> Feb. 25, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/25/lawmaker-files-bill-could-stop-proposed-bullet-tra/comments/"><span class="value">44</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/25/lawmaker-files-bill-could-stop-proposed-bullet-tra/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150317213837im_/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/06/04/HiSpeedRail-2_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="The JR Central N700 Series, a Japanese Shinkansen bullet train."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150317213837/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/06/04/HiSpeedRail-2_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="The JR Central N700 Series, a Japanese Shinkansen bullet train." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> </div> <div class="photo_caption">The JR Central N700 Series, a Japanese Shinkansen bullet train.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>A bill filed by state Rep. </span><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150317213837/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/will-metcalf/">Will Metcalf</a><span>, R-Conroe, Wednesday would require the governing body of every city and county along the route to approve a planned high-speed rail project. There's very little chance that would happen. </span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/25/lawmaker-files-bill-could-stop-proposed-bullet-tra/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/25/nichols-car-sales-tax-plan-moves-senate-floor/">Nichols' Car Sales Tax Plan Moves to Senate Floor</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/aman-batheja/">Aman Batheja</a></li><li><time datetime="Wed, 25 Feb 2015 10:30:17 -0600" title="2015-02-25 10:30"> Feb. 25, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/25/nichols-car-sales-tax-plan-moves-senate-floor/comments/"><span class="value">6</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/25/nichols-car-sales-tax-plan-moves-senate-floor/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150317213837im_/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/02/04/Nichols0522_Nichols001_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="State Sen. Robert Nichols."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150317213837/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/02/04/Nichols0522_Nichols001_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="State Sen. Robert Nichols." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Bob Daemmrich</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">State Sen. Robert Nichols.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>The Senate Transportation Committee on Wednesday voted 8-1 in favor <span>of a proposal to dedicate some of the sales tax collected on automobile sales to <span>improving roads — but not before </span>several lawmakers expressed reservations.</span></span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/25/nichols-car-sales-tax-plan-moves-senate-floor/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/25/uttt-poll-voters-vexed-property-taxes/">UT/TT Poll: Voters Vexed With Property Taxes</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/ross-ramsey/">Ross Ramsey</a></li><li><time datetime="Wed, 25 Feb 2015 06:00:00 -0600" title="2015-02-25 06:00"> Feb. 25, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/25/uttt-poll-voters-vexed-property-taxes/comments/"><span class="value">12</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/25/uttt-poll-voters-vexed-property-taxes/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150317213837im_/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/02/24/UT-TT-Polls-02232015.025_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150317213837/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/02/24/UT-TT-Polls-02232015.025_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>graphic by: Todd Wiseman</cite> </div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>Property taxes clearly have the attention of Texas voters, and not in a positive way, according to the latest University of Texas/Texas Tribune Poll. And they are not particularly happy with business taxes, either. </p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/25/uttt-poll-voters-vexed-property-taxes/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> </div> <div class="cell w-6 hide-for-medium-down mid_rail"> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/03/zafirini-and-craddick-push-ban-texting-and-driving/">Families Urge Support for Texting-While-Driving Ban</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/eva-hershaw/">Eva Hershaw</a></li><li><time datetime="Tue, 3 Feb 2015 19:10:55 -0600" title="2015-02-03 19:10"> Feb. 3, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/03/zafirini-and-craddick-push-ban-texting-and-driving/comments/"><span class="value">10</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/03/zafirini-and-craddick-push-ban-texting-and-driving/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150317213837im_/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/texting-while-driving-2_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150317213837/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/texting-while-driving-2_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Tim Caynes</cite> </div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>More than 30 families who have lost someone to distracted driving gathered Tuesday at the state Capitol to rally support for legislation that would ban texting while driving in Texas.</p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/03/zafirini-and-craddick-push-ban-texting-and-driving/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/01/cost-overruns-and-bungles-state-contracting/">In State Contracting, Failure is an Option</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/aman-batheja/">Aman Batheja</a></li><li><time datetime="Sun, 1 Feb 2015 06:00:00 -0600" title="2015-02-01 06:00"> Feb. 1, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/01/cost-overruns-and-bungles-state-contracting/comments/"><span class="value">34</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/01/cost-overruns-and-bungles-state-contracting/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150317213837im_/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/01/30/TT-Rodunda-Contract-High002_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150317213837/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/01/30/TT-Rodunda-Contract-High002_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> </div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span><span style="line-height: 1.35;">Texas's </span>tendency<span style="line-height: 1.35;"> to privatize state services has led to contracting scandals erupting regularly. But a history of cost overruns or bad performance hardly bars a company from winning future jobs.</span></span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/01/cost-overruns-and-bungles-state-contracting/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/01/29/txdot-toll-billing-problems-being-addressed/">TxDOT: Toll Billing Problems Being Addressed</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/aman-batheja/">Aman Batheja</a></li><li><time datetime="Thu, 29 Jan 2015 14:33:40 -0600" title="2015-01-29 14:33"> Jan. 29, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/01/29/txdot-toll-billing-problems-being-addressed/comments/"><span class="value">10</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/01/29/txdot-toll-billing-problems-being-addressed/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150317213837im_/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/03/27/Toll-Roads_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Interstate 45 Gulf Freeway's HOV and Toll lanes exit into Metro's Eastowood Transit Center in Houston Friday, October 19, 2012."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150317213837/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/03/27/Toll-Roads_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Interstate 45 Gulf Freeway's HOV and Toll lanes exit into Metro's Eastowood Transit Center in Houston Friday, October 19, 2012." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Michael Stravato</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Interstate 45 Gulf Freeway's HOV and Toll lanes exit into Metro's Eastowood Transit Center in Houston Friday, October 19, 2012.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>Officials with the Texas Department of Transportation and Xerox, the company handling the state's tolling operations, said Thursday that fixes to customer service and billing issues were in the works.</p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/01/29/txdot-toll-billing-problems-being-addressed/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/01/28/tesla-motors-automobile-dealers-debate-franchise-l/">Tesla Motors, Car Dealers Clash Over Franchise Law</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/bobby-blanchard/">Bobby Blanchard</a></li><li><time datetime="Wed, 28 Jan 2015 15:34:14 -0600" title="2015-01-28 15:34"> Jan. 28, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/01/28/tesla-motors-automobile-dealers-debate-franchise-l/comments/"><span class="value">14</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/01/28/tesla-motors-automobile-dealers-debate-franchise-l/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150317213837im_/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/01/15/UP9A0772_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Tesla vehicle on display outside the Texas Capitol on January 15th, 2015"> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150317213837/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/01/15/UP9A0772_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Tesla vehicle on display outside the Texas Capitol on January 15th, 2015" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Marjorie Kamys Cotera</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Tesla vehicle on display outside the Texas Capitol on January 15th, 2015</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>Monopolies are bad for consumers, </span><span>both sides</span><strong> </strong><span>fighting over whether Tesla Motors </span><span>should be allowed to sell its cars directly to </span><span>Texans agreed Wednesday. </span><span>But monopoly is in the eye of the beholder.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/01/28/tesla-motors-automobile-dealers-debate-franchise-l/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/01/26/texas-bikers-rally-motorcycle-bills/">Texas Bikers Know How to Be Heard at Capitol</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/ryan-mccrimmon/">Ryan McCrimmon</a></li><li><time datetime="Mon, 26 Jan 2015 18:15:36 -0600" title="2015-01-26 18:15"> Jan. 26, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/01/26/texas-bikers-rally-motorcycle-bills/comments/"><span class="value">13</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/01/26/texas-bikers-rally-motorcycle-bills/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150317213837im_/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/01/26/IMG_9504_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Bikers from all over Texas came to the Capitol to lobby their representatives for their causes, Jan. 26, 2015."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150317213837/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/01/26/IMG_9504_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Bikers from all over Texas came to the Capitol to lobby their representatives for their causes, Jan. 26, 2015." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Todd Wiseman</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Bikers from all over Texas came to the Capitol to lobby their representatives for their causes, Jan. 26, 2015.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>More than a thousand Texas bikers descended on the Capitol on Monday to present lawmakers with their legislative agenda for this session. Not surprisingly, they want looser traffic laws for motorcyclists.  </p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/01/26/texas-bikers-rally-motorcycle-bills/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/01/22/lawmaker-calls-stripping-toll-road-firms-power-tak/">Bill Targets Toll Road's Power to Take Land</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/aman-batheja/">Aman Batheja</a></li><li><time datetime="Thu, 22 Jan 2015 06:00:00 -0600" title="2015-01-22 06:00"> Jan. 22, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/01/22/lawmaker-calls-stripping-toll-road-firms-power-tak/comments/"><span class="value">15</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/01/22/lawmaker-calls-stripping-toll-road-firms-power-tak/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150317213837im_/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/06/12/I30-Traffic_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Traffic on I-30 on the eastern side of Lake Ray Hubbard in Rockwall on June 6. A proposed private tollway to relieve traffic in the area appears to be dead."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150317213837/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/06/12/I30-Traffic_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Traffic on I-30 on the eastern side of Lake Ray Hubbard in Rockwall on June 6. A proposed private tollway to relieve traffic in the area appears to be dead." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Cooper Neill</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Traffic on I-30 on the eastern side of Lake Ray Hubbard in Rockwall on June 6. A proposed private tollway to relieve traffic in the area appears to be dead.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>Only one private company in the state has the power to condemn and take land for a toll road. Following public backlash over its proposed road near Dallas, state Rep. </span><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150317213837/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/cindy-burkett/">Cindy Burkett</a><span>, R-Sunnyvale, wants to take that power away.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/01/22/lawmaker-calls-stripping-toll-road-firms-power-tak/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> </div> <div class="cell w-6 show-for-medium-down"> <ul class="mobile_headlines"> <li><a href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/27/single-sticker-car-registration-could-bring/">Car Sticker Rules Starting Sunday Could Confuse Drivers</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/25/lawmaker-files-bill-could-stop-proposed-bullet-tra/">Lawmaker's Bill a Silver Bullet to Stop Train</a></li> <li><a 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Transportation Commission</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/11/drivers-erroneously-sent-bills-txdot-tells-senator/">Erroneous Toll Bills Fuel Criticism at Hearing</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/04/patrick-backs-plan-boost-sales-tax-car-sales-roads/">Patrick, Nichols: Put Car Sales Tax Toward Roads</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/03/zafirini-and-craddick-push-ban-texting-and-driving/">Families Urge Support for Texting-While-Driving Ban</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/01/cost-overruns-and-bungles-state-contracting/">In State Contracting, Failure is an Option</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/01/29/txdot-toll-billing-problems-being-addressed/">TxDOT: Toll Billing Problems Being Addressed</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/01/28/tesla-motors-automobile-dealers-debate-franchise-l/">Tesla Motors, Car Dealers Clash Over Franchise Law</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/01/26/texas-bikers-rally-motorcycle-bills/">Texas Bikers Know How to Be Heard at Capitol</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/01/22/lawmaker-calls-stripping-toll-road-firms-power-tak/">Bill Targets Toll Road's Power to Take Land</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> <div class=" cell w-4 hide-for-medium-down"> <aside id="" class="featurebox "> <header class="featurebox-header"> <h1><span>Trib</span>pedia</h1> </header> <div class="featurebox-content "> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/driver-responsibility-program/">Driver Responsibility Program</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/eagle-ford-shale/">The Eagle Ford 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href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/"> <span>+</span> View All </a> </footer> </aside> <aside class="ad_container sidebar_block"> <div class="sponsor_image_holder"> <div class="ad adunit tablet standard" data-dimensions="300x250" data-adunit="TexasTribune_Content_Home_BTF_RightRail1_TTRectangle_300x250"> </div> </div> </aside> <section class="folder"> <div class="tab video"> <hgroup> <h1>Featured Video</h1> <h2><a href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2014/10/09/animation-what-is-proposition-1/">Animation: What is Proposition 1?</a></h2> <ul class="meta separator short"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/twiseman/">Todd Wiseman</a> and <a href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/aman-batheja/">Aman Batheja</a></li><li><time datetime="Thu, 9 Oct 2014 06:00:00 -0500" title="2014-10-09 06:00"> Oct. 9, 2014 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2014/10/09/animation-what-is-proposition-1/comments/"><span class="value">13</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </hgroup> <div class="content"> <div class="media sidebar" <a href="/2014/10/09/animation-what-is-proposition-1/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150317213837im_/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/videos/Prop-1-Lead_png_300x1000_q100.png" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150317213837/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/videos/Prop-1-Lead_png_800x1000_q100.png" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> </div> </div> <ul class="actions simple"> <li> <a href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/multimedia/"><span>+</span> More Videos</a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </section> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/24/abbott-transportation-plan/">Abbott, Senate Leaders Tout Road Funding Plans</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/ryan-mccrimmon/">Ryan McCrimmon</a> and <a href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/aman-batheja/">Aman Batheja</a></li><li><time datetime="Tue, 24 Feb 2015 15:26:17 -0600" title="2015-02-24 15:26"> Feb. 24, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/24/abbott-transportation-plan/comments/"><span class="value">18</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/24/abbott-transportation-plan/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150317213837im_/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/02/17/BDS_3970_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Gov. Greg Abbott outlines an ambitious legislative agenda in his first State of the State speech on Feb. 17, 2015."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150317213837/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/02/17/BDS_3970_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Gov. Greg Abbott outlines an ambitious legislative agenda in his first State of the State speech on Feb. 17, 2015." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Bob Daemmrich </cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Gov. Greg Abbott outlines an ambitious legislative agenda in his first State of the State speech on Feb. 17, 2015.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>The day before Texas lawmakers begin considering a major transportation bill, state leaders made a concerted push for the measure as part of a larger effort to boost much-needed highway funding.</p> <p> </p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/24/abbott-transportation-plan/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/19/legislation-would-let-tesla-sell-texas/">Legislation Would Let Tesla Sell in Texas</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/jim-malewitz/">Jim Malewitz</a></li><li><time datetime="Thu, 19 Feb 2015 16:21:09 -0600" title="2015-02-19 16:21"> Feb. 19, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/19/legislation-would-let-tesla-sell-texas/comments/"><span class="value">21</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/19/legislation-would-let-tesla-sell-texas/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150317213837im_/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/01/15/UP9A0772_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Tesla vehicle on display outside the Texas Capitol on January 15th, 2015"> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150317213837/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/01/15/UP9A0772_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Tesla vehicle on display outside the Texas Capitol on January 15th, 2015" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Marjorie Kamys Cotera</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Tesla vehicle on display outside the Texas Capitol on January 15th, 2015</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>A group of state lawmakers have filed legislation that would allow Tesla to sell its luxury electric cars at as many as 12 stores in Texas, renewing the California-based company’s challenge to a state law protecting franchised auto dealers. </p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/19/legislation-would-let-tesla-sell-texas/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/17/bullet-train-firm-reveals-dallas-houston-route/">Bullet Train Firm Reveals Preferred Dallas-Houston Route</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/aman-batheja/">Aman Batheja</a></li><li><time datetime="Tue, 17 Feb 2015 17:31:43 -0600" title="2015-02-17 17:31"> Feb. 17, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/17/bullet-train-firm-reveals-dallas-houston-route/comments/"><span class="value">36</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/17/bullet-train-firm-reveals-dallas-houston-route/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150317213837im_/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/06/04/HiSpeedRail-2_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="The JR Central N700 Series, a Japanese Shinkansen bullet train."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150317213837/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/06/04/HiSpeedRail-2_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="The JR Central N700 Series, a Japanese Shinkansen bullet train." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> </div> <div class="photo_caption">The JR Central N700 Series, a Japanese Shinkansen bullet train.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>The firm hoping to build a privately financed high-speed rail line between Dallas and Houston announced its preferred route Tuesday. Texas Central Railway hopes to be transporting Texans between the two cities by 2021. </span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/17/bullet-train-firm-reveals-dallas-houston-route/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/13/abbott-taps-two-transportation-commission/">Abbott Taps Two for Transportation Commission</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/aman-batheja/">Aman Batheja</a></li><li><time datetime="Fri, 13 Feb 2015 12:36:51 -0600" title="2015-02-13 12:36"> Feb. 13, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/13/abbott-taps-two-transportation-commission/comments/"><span class="value">1</span><span class="label">Comment</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/13/abbott-taps-two-transportation-commission/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150317213837im_/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/01/13/_S3R7957Abbott_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Greg Abbott is shown visiting the Senate chamber on Jan. 13, 2015."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150317213837/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/01/13/_S3R7957Abbott_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Greg Abbott is shown visiting the Senate chamber on Jan. 13, 2015." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Bob Daemmrich </cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Greg Abbott is shown visiting the Senate chamber on Jan. 13, 2015.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>Former state Rep. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150317213837/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/tryon-lewis/">Tryon Lewis</a> and San Antonio banker J. Bruce Bugg Jr. will replace <span>Chairman Ted Houghton and Commissioner Fred Underwood on the Texas Transportation Commission.</span></span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/13/abbott-taps-two-transportation-commission/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/11/drivers-erroneously-sent-bills-txdot-tells-senator/">Erroneous Toll Bills Fuel Criticism at Hearing</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/aman-batheja/">Aman Batheja</a></li><li><time datetime="Wed, 11 Feb 2015 13:01:54 -0600" title="2015-02-11 13:01"> Feb. 11, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/11/drivers-erroneously-sent-bills-txdot-tells-senator/comments/"><span class="value">8</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/11/drivers-erroneously-sent-bills-txdot-tells-senator/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150317213837im_/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/04/05/HoustonTollBooth_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150317213837/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/04/05/HoustonTollBooth_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Bill Jacobus</cite> </div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>Officials with the Texas Department of Transportation and Xerox surprised senators Wednesday by reporting that <span>30,000 drivers with valid TxTag accounts were erroneously mailed bills for using the state’s toll roads.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/11/drivers-erroneously-sent-bills-txdot-tells-senator/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/04/patrick-backs-plan-boost-sales-tax-car-sales-roads/">Patrick, Nichols: Put Car Sales Tax Toward Roads</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/aman-batheja/">Aman Batheja</a></li><li><time datetime="Wed, 4 Feb 2015 14:27:54 -0600" title="2015-02-04 14:27"> Feb. 4, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/04/patrick-backs-plan-boost-sales-tax-car-sales-roads/comments/"><span class="value">10</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/04/patrick-backs-plan-boost-sales-tax-car-sales-roads/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150317213837im_/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/02/04/Nichols0522_Nichols001_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="State Sen. Robert Nichols."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150317213837/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/02/04/Nichols0522_Nichols001_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="State Sen. Robert Nichols." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Bob Daemmrich</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">State Sen. Robert Nichols.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>Lt. Gov. </span><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150317213837/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/dan-patrick/">Dan Patrick</a> and <span>Senate Transportation Chairman </span><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150317213837/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/robert-nichols/">Robert Nichols</a><span>, R-Jacksonville, unveiled a plan Wednesday to boost <span>transportation funding by dedicating some of the sales tax already collected on car sales to road work.</span></span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/04/patrick-backs-plan-boost-sales-tax-car-sales-roads/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <ul class="actions simple"> <li> <a href="/web/20150317213837/https://www.texastribune.org/transportation/all/" title=""><span>+</span> More News</a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="wrapper-r"> <footer id="site_footer" class="wrapper-r"> <div class="hide-for-medium-down"> </div> 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