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.