Construction Begins on $12 Billion High-Speed Rail Line Between Las Vegas and Los Angeles, Projected to Begin Operation by 2028

Work is set to begin Monday on a $12 billion high-speed passenger rail line between Las Vegas and the Los Angeles area, with officials projecting millions of ticket-buyers will be boarding trains by 2028.

Brightline West, a company that already operates a fast train between Miami and Orlando in Florida, plans to lay 218 miles of new track between a terminal near the Las Vegas Strip and another facility in Rancho Cucamonga, California. The majority of the track will be built in the median of Interstate 15, with a station stop in San Bernardino County’s Victorville area.

The founder and Chairperson of Brightline Holdings, Wes Edens, called this moment “the foundation for a new industry.” The company aims to connect US cities that are too close for flying and too far for driving, making high-speed rail a viable option.

CEO Mike Reininger has set a goal to have trains operating in time for the Summer Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028. US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is scheduled to participate in Monday’s groundbreaking, as Brightline received significant backing from the Biden administration.

The high-speed rail line is designed to reach speeds of 186 mph, similar to Japan’s Shinkansen bullet trains. The electric-powered trains will cut the trip across the Mojave Desert from four hours to just over two hours, with forecasts of 11 million one-way passengers per year.

Las Vegas, a popular destination for Southern Californians, draws over 40 million visitors annually. The new rail line aims to relieve congestion on I-15, providing a faster and more convenient travel option for commuters.

This project marks a significant step in the development of high-speed passenger rail in the US, with hopes of expanding to other cities in the future. Despite challenges faced by similar projects in the past, Brightline is optimistic about the success of this new venture.