SUBSCRIBE TO NEWSLETTER
Stay in the loop! Subscribe to our newsletter and gain access to exclusive insights, trends, and news from the world of business and leadership. Don’t miss out!
Work is set to begin on a $12 billion high-speed passenger rail line between Las Vegas and the Los Angeles area, with Brightline West leading the initiative.
The project aims to establish a high-speed rail link spanning 218 miles (351 kilometers), largely along the median of Interstate 15, with stations including one in San Bernardino County’s Victorville area.
Key Figures and Backing:
Brightline West, backed by $6.5 billion from the Biden administration, plans to sell $2.5 billion in tax-exempt bonds and has received authorization to sell an additional $1 billion in similar bonds.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is slated to participate in the project’s groundbreaking.
High-Speed Rail Features:
The rail line, touted as the first true high-speed passenger rail in the U.S., aims to reach 186 mph (300 kph) speeds, comparable to Japan’s Shinkansen bullet trains.
Electric-powered trains are expected to cut travel time between Las Vegas and L.A. to just over two hours, offering restrooms, Wi-Fi, food and beverage sales, and luggage check services.
Impact and Benefits:
Officials anticipate the rail line will alleviate congestion on I-15, a popular route between the two cities, particularly during weekends when many Southern Californians travel to Las Vegas.
The project aims to cater to the area’s significant population growth and high tourist traffic, providing an alternative to driving or flying.
Current Landscape and Future Prospects:
Brightline Holdings already operates a successful high-speed rail line between Miami and Orlando, Florida. Plans to connecther U.S. cities with high-speed rail have been proposed but often face delays and challenges.
In California, a proposed rail line linking Los Angeles and San Francisco has encountered rising costs and disputes, highlighting the significance of the Las Vegas-L.A. project.
