A high-speed train that will connect Las Vegas with Southern California by 2028 has received a USD$3 billion (around AUD$4.4 billion) federal funding boost to accelerate the first US high-speed rail system and offer a more sustainable travel option.
The Brightline West project will use fully electric trains travelling at 200 miles per hour (322km/h) and cut travel time to just two hours – less than half the current drive time.
The intercity rail line is estimated to remove three million cars from roads annually and eliminate more than 400,000 tons (363,000 tonnes) of carbon emissions each year.
It’s expected to attract a high proportion of the 50 million annual travellers between the two destinations, easing traffic and providing a more sustainable alternative to driving.
Brightline West route
The high-speed rail will connect Las Vegas station with the planned Rancho Cucamonga station (about 60km east of Downtown Los Angeles) and include stations at Victor Valley and Hesperia along the 218-mile (351km) route.
Travellers can use the regional Metrolink service from Los Angeles Union Station to connect to Rancho Cucamonga Station, heading north through San Bernardino to Las Vegas.
Seven-car trains will transport between 434 and 450 passengers when complete and offer free Wi-Fi, accessibility options, food and beverages and hotel check-in services.
Nevada Transport Director Tracy Larkin Thomason told Newsweek: “With this funding, we’re closer than ever to making high-speed rail a reality, offering a fast, sustainable alternative to car travel between Las Vegas and Southern California.”
The total Brightline West project cost is estimated at USD$12 billion and is expected to be operational in time for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics & Paralympics.
For more info, head to brightlinewest.com
