Construction of a new passenger rail system linking the Los Angeles area to Las Vegas began yesterday. The Brightline West system, spanning 218 miles mostly along Interstate 15, is expected to be the nation's first true high-speed intercity rail network. The route (see map) is expected to take around 30,000 travelers per day between Rancho Cucamonga, California, and Las Vegas.
The all-electric trains can reach speeds up to 200 mph, with the typically four-hour travel time between the two cities expected to take just over two hours. Sister company Brightline opened its Miami-Orlando line last year; its trains reach speeds up to 125 mph. The International Union of Railways defines “high-speed rail” as new rail lines capable of going at least 155 mph.
The Rancho Cucamonga station will offer a connection to Southern California's commuter rail service. The $12B project aims to alleviate traffic strain; over 44,000 vehicles per day crossed the California-Nevada border on I-15 in 2023. The project is expected to be completed in four years to coincide with the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
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