High-Speed Rail Line Between Las Vegas And Los Angeles

This photo taken Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2012, shows the site of a proposed station for a high-speed rail line to Las Vegas, background, at the end of the Dale Evans Parkway exit from Interstate 15

Construction is scheduled to commence on Monday for a new high-speed passenger rail line connecting Las Vegas and the Los Angeles area. The $12 billion project, spearheaded by Brightline West, is expected to see millions of passengers boarding trains by 2028.

Brightline West, known for its successful Miami-to-Orlando rail service in Florida, plans to lay down 218 miles of new track between a terminal near the Las Vegas Strip and a facility in Rancho Cucamonga, California. The majority of the track will be built in the median of Interstate 15, with a station stop in Victorville, California.

Company founder Wes Edens described the project as laying the foundation for a new industry, aiming to connect cities that are too close to fly between but too far to drive comfortably. CEO Mike Reininger has set a goal to have trains operational in time for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

The U.S. Transportation Secretary is expected to participate in the groundbreaking ceremony, with Brightline receiving significant financial backing from the Biden administration. The rail line is designed to reach speeds of 186 mph, offering a travel time of just over two hours across the Mojave Desert.

Project aims to connect cities too close to fly between but too far to drive comfortably.

Brightline West to build 218-mile high-speed rail line between Las Vegas and Rancho Cucamonga.

Trains to reach speeds of 186 mph, offering a travel time of just over two hours.

Expected to see 11 million passengers annually, alleviating congestion on I-15.

With forecasts of 11 million passengers annually, the project aims to alleviate congestion on I-15, a popular route between the two cities. The trains will offer amenities such as restrooms, Wi-Fi, food services, and luggage check-in, with fares expected to be lower than airline costs.

Las Vegas, a major tourist destination, attracts over 40 million visitors annually, with the new rail line expected to provide a convenient travel option for Southern Californians. Brightline Holdings' existing Miami-to-Orlando service has been successful, offering multiple daily trips at speeds of up to 125 mph.

While high-speed rail projects have been proposed in other U.S. cities, many have faced delays. The California High-Speed Rail Authority's plan to link Los Angeles and San Francisco has encountered challenges, with costs exceeding initial projections.