Brightline West (XpressWest, DesertXpress) Las Vegas - Victorville - Rancho Cucamanga - LA Proposal

[D.S. Lewith]

https://abcnews.go.com/US/high-speed-ca ... d=65264856

Fair-use quote:

High-speed California-to-Las Vegas train plan is a go
By SAMARA LYNN
Aug 29, 2019, 6:15 PM ET

After a number of fits and starts, plans for a high-speed train connecting California and Las Vegas are back on track.

The announcement was made at the Nevada Economic Development Conference on Tuesday.

The train will travel at speeds up to 150 miles per hour, making the nonstop trip between the Victor Valley region of California and the Las Vegas Strip in about 75-90 minutes, according to Las Vegas ABC affiliate KTNV.

A representative from Virgin Trains USA, formerly known as Brightline, confirmed to ABC News that the company is on track to start construction in the first half of 2020.

[John_Perkowski]

So this happened...

High-speed California-to-Las Vegas train plan is a go

[Rockingham Racer]

Some people seem to think that this service needs to get closer to L.A. One possibility is to change to Metrolink in Palmadale, but that raises the specter of the ever unpopular notion that a one-seat ride is highly desirable over a change of trains, and I agree.

Locals say that getting to Victorville from L.A. is the hard part of the trip. So, we'll see.

In any case, it will be very interesting to watch this proposal unfurl in the next couple of years.

[gokeefe]

This is totally nuts. I can't believe we're seeing such extensive new right of way construction. Amazing stuff.

[EuroStar]

I will believe it when I see it. The new right of way in Florida is a small part of the whole route. This here is what, 200+ miles of right of way. They will need quite a few billion dollars for it and even in Florida the money has not being coming all that easily. I am afraid that if Virgin does not make it to profitability, their bankruptcy will put the kibosh in any new right of way expansion for another 100+ years.

[gokeefe]

The very low interest rates on corporate bonds certainly aren't hurting.

[Hawaiitiki]

I know I'm getting ahead of myself and apologies if I missed it earlier in this thread, but does anybody know if this is planned to be electrified from the start? 140-150mph cruising speed is pushing diesel traction to its limit.

I know California has great tax breaks regarding reducing emmissions and this line won't share with freight, so seems like if there was a time to electrify... Plus, getting off the shelf equipment that can handle that speed will be a lot easier.

[gokeefe]

Interesting question. Hard to imagine for the timelines proposed that it will be electrified. That being said I strongly agree that California, of all places, could be the one that would offer tax credits that were significant enough to make a difference.

[Jeff Smith]

Here you go:

[Jeff Smith]

I'm going to have to ban myself LOL:

[gokeefe]

Priceless ... Nice to see the "when in doubt #turbines" crowd is still alive and well.

I have to wonder if Siemens might try an alternative power pack in the Chargers for 150 MPH+ operations.

[korax]

A Virgin Employee has implied electrification
https://twitter.com/bomalley/status/116 ... 58722?s=21

[justalurker66]

Interesting question. Hard to imagine for the timelines proposed that it will be electrified. That being said I strongly agree that California, of all places, could be the one that would offer tax credits that were significant enough to make a difference.

Could the tax credits be in excess of the taxes due? Basically paying a reward for reducing carbon emissions (moving X number of passengers out of individual use highway vehicles to a more efficient mode of travel)? I thought California was in deep financial problems ... where are they going to get the money to pay such a credit?

[gokeefe]

A Virgin Employee has implied electrification
https://twitter.com/bomalley/status/116 ... 58722?s=21

I took a look and don't necessarily agree with that interpretation. The tweet seemed to simply confirm route structure. Neither the proposition not the response made any hint of motive power. Assuming that CAHSR = electrification is an uncertain assumption unless you know each parties thought context.

[korax]

The response “you are correct” was a direct reply to: “150 mph would seem to require HSR-quality electric equipment? That's not something diesel rolling stock can do in regular service.”