By automotive, it takes about 4 hours to get from Los Angeles to Las Vegas, depending on traffic. By plane, it takes just an hour, but you will need to get to the airport early and fight your way out of McCarran International Airport when you arrive. But the operator of a brand new bullet train says it might probably get people from Southern California to Sin City in only two hours—and in the event that they wish to travel in style, there’s an option for that, too.
Brightline West, the corporate behind the bullet train, has released images of its “party car” for individuals who cannot wait for the fun to start. The train automotive, which features champagne and other alcoholic beverages flowing from a full bar, has comfortable seats and a fuchsia-colored interior. Sorry, revelers, there was no DJ visible within the models.
A primary have a look at our brand recent #BrightlineWest Party automotive renderings! With daring fuchsia interior and splendid vibe, it’s the proper place to sit down back, pop some champagne 🥂 and revel in the ride from Vegas to California in style. Who’s ready for a celebration on the rails? 🎊 #PartyAutomotive pic.twitter.com/yci0O8l9i2
— Brightline West (@BrightlineWest) 9 September 2024
Brightline hopes to construct a brand new 218-mile line between Rancho Cucamonga (east of Los Angeles, about halfway to San Bernardino) and a brand new terminal on the southern end of the Las Vegas Strip. Current plans call for the road to be open in time for the 2028 Summer Olympics, which might be held in LA.
However, these plans may not go as easily as hoped, as Federal lawsuit filed to stop Brightline from moving forward with the high-speed rail. Alstom, which makes trains for Amtrak’s Acela line on the East Coast, argues it must have been awarded the contract to construct the equipment for the SoCal-Vegas line. (Brightline disputes that claim.)
Brightline’s project is being funded partly by a $3 billion federal grant. One of the terms of the grant was to make use of products made within the United States, in accordance with “Buy America” ​​regulations. The problem is: No U.S. company currently makes the trains Brightline needs for the road, which can reach speeds of 200 miles per hour and more. Both France’s Alstom and Germany’s Siemens have secured exemptions from the Buy America rules. Siemens won the Brightline West contract.
While the lawyers are playing spoilsport, work continues on the project, including the party automotive.
