Things to know about Houston-Dallas high-speed bullet train beginning construction in 2019

Construction on the new high-speed bullet train connecting Houston and Dallas will finally begin in late 2019. The Houston-Dallas route will take 90 minutes. >>> Click through to see more on the Texas bullet train. less Construction on the new high-speed bullet train connecting Houston and Dallas will finally begin in late 2019. The Houston-Dallas route will take 90 minutes. >>> Click through to see more on the Texas ... more Photo: JR Central Photo: JR Central Image 1 of / 12 Caption Close Things to know about Houston-Dallas high-speed bullet train beginning construction in 2019 1 / 12 Back to Gallery

Hold onto your seats. Construction on the new high-speed bullet train connecting Houston and Dallas will finally begin in late 2019, according to WFAA in Dallas.

The Houston-Dallas line, the United States' first bullet train, will take 90 minutes with one stop in the Brazos Valley.

Partners: Texas Central taps Renfe as operating partner

Texas Central, the private firm developing the project, is using technology from Japan's high-speed "Shinkansen" train, which travels at 177-miles per hour.

Texas will likely get version of Japan's N700I model train, with several modifications including eight cars instead of 16.

In Japan, passengers can walk up and purchase tickets minutes before departure, paying the same amount as those who bought tickets in advance.

While Texas Central has not revealed how much a ticket will cost for the Houston-Dallas route, the price will supposedly be competitive with airline fares.

Possible train terminal: Northwest Mall could gain new life as terminal for Houston-Dallas bullet train

Expect the interior of the Texas train to have economy and First Class cars with high ceilings, two seats on each side of a wide aisle, and large seats with plenty of legroom.

The privately funded Texas bullet train is now awaiting final approval from the Federal Railroad Administration. Once that permission is granted, Texas Central will then begin looking for financial backers.

Texas Central reportedly has options to purchase a third of the land needed for its venture and is currently negotiating for the remainder.

Marcy de Luna is a digital reporter specializing in social media, the famous, and food. You can follow her on Twitter @MarcydeLuna and Facebook @MarcydeLuna. Read her stories on our breaking news site, Chron.com, and on our subscriber site, HoustonChronicle.com. | Marcy.deLuna@chron.com | Text CHRON to 77453 to receive breaking news alerts by text message