The high-speed rail project that will connect Las Vegas with Southern California by 2028 has received a funding injection of $3 billion in the form of a federal grant.
The Brightline West project will use fully electric trains capable of reaching speeds of more than 200 miles per hour. This will significantly reduce travel time between Las Vegas and the planned Rancho Cucamonga station to approximately two hours, less than half the average driving time.
The 218-mile rail service will include stations in Las Vegas, Apple Valley, Hesperia, and Rancho Cucamonga, and will connect to Southern California’s existing Metrolink regional rail network.
Its seven-car trains will carry between 434-450 passengers, depending on final configuration. Amenities will include free onboard WiFi, disabled access, food and drink options, and hotel check-in services.
The Brightline West System Map showing a high-speed route from Las Vegas to Rancho Cucamonga. The project has received a $3-billion federal grant. © Brightline West
A rendering of the Brightline West high-speed train. An estimated 35,000 jobs will be created during construction of the line, including over 10,000 union construction jobs. © Brightline West
A timeline of the Brightline West project:
- 2008: The California High-Speed Rail project, intended to connect Los Angeles and San Francisco, is proposed.
- 2018: Brightline debuts its Venture series train, developed in partnership with Siemens Mobility, on its Florida system.
- December 2023: President Biden announces a $3-billion Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Grant for the Brightline West project.
- April 2024: Brightline West celebrates its groundbreaking.
- May 1, 2024: Siemens Mobility is announced as the preferred bidder to build trains for the new route.
- September 5, 2024: Brightline West begins work on the high-speed rail line near the Nevada border.
- September 11, 2024: Renderings of the American Pioneer 220 (AP220) train are released.
- September 26, 2024: The Federal Railroad Administration officially signs the $3-billion grant agreement awarded to the Nevada Department of Transportation.
- 2028: Brightline West is projected to begin operations.
- Between 2030 and 2033: The California High-Speed Rail project’s Central Valley segment is expected to be completed.