United States unveils construction of its first bullet train

29-04-24

The United States has launched construction of its first bullet train, an ambitious project that will connect Las Vegas to Los Angeles. This $12 billion high-speed train promises to revolutionize transportation in the region. The official launch of the project was held this week at the site where a new terminal will be erected south of Las Vegas.

Brightline West, the company behind the initiative, plans to extend 351 kilometers of new track to Rancho Cucamonga, California, where it will link with commuter rail services to downtown Los Angeles. In addition, a station will be built in Victorville, San Bernardino County.

With speeds in excess of 300 km/h, the new bullet trains will be on par with Japan's famous Shinkansen and are expected to be operational by the Summer Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028. Brightline West aims to meet the demand for connections between cities too close for air travel and too far to travel by car comfortably.

The history of the bullet train to Los Angeles goes back several decades, formerly known as the DesertXpress. Acquired by Brightline West in 2019, the project has required environmental and right-of-way approvals, in addition to labor agreements. It recently received significant financial backing from the Biden administration, including a $3 billion grant and approval for the sale of tax-exempt bonds.

With a reduction in travel time from four to just over two hours across the Mojave Desert, and a projected 11 million annual ridership, the trains will offer modern amenities such as Wi-Fi, food and beverage vending, and baggage check-in options, at fares comparable to airline costs. This project represents not only an infrastructure breakthrough, but also a promise of efficiency and convenience for millions of travelers.