TxDot did a massive study on the effect of high speed rail in Texas. Here are the effects of 1 of the 3 route options between Dallas and San Antonio. The differences between the 3 are all in the metroplex.
"Effects on Transit Providers: 21% and 62% of bus and air passengers would be diverted to rail, respectively. Resulting in moderate and substantial effects on bus and air service providers, respectively. Change in VMT: Substantial (beneficial) effects. 7.2% reduction in VMT. Potential secondary beneficial effect (reduced congestion) to bus service providers. For air carriers the potential benefits may include the opportunity to shift from short-haul to longer-haul flight operations, which may include more reliable scheduling and increased revenue."
Annual energy savings: 1,413,391 MBTUs
Air Quality: Based on short-term construction emissions and based on operational pollutant emission reductions: Substantial (adverse) short-term (construction) effects and substantial (benefit) long-term regional (operation) effects.Beneficial effect (15% reduction)
Prime farmland: 10,217 acres. Substantial effects.