Brightline High Speed Rail Plans to Link Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and San Francisco
The Brightline High Speed Rail could connect Las Vegas to San Francisco through a newly proposed rail system in California's Mojave Desert. This connection would link the under-construction Brightline West (Las Vegas to LA) with California's High-Speed Rail project (CAHSR).
California Governor Gavin Newsom initiated construction of CAHSR's first segment in Kern County, with plans for the system to reduce LA to San Francisco travel time from 6-7 hours to just 3 hours.
Train crossing bridge at sunset
The proposed High Desert Corridor would connect CAHSR's Palmdale stop to the Brightline West line, spanning 54 miles. This connection could benefit both San Francisco-bound Vegas visitors and downtown LA travelers by potentially reducing travel time to Union Station.
Las Vegas train route map
However, significant challenges remain:
- CAHSR faces strong opposition, particularly from Congressional Republicans
- Rep. Kevin Kiley has introduced legislation to eliminate federal funding
- Project costs have ballooned from $33 billion (2008) to $128 billion (current estimate)
- The 2033 completion target appears optimistic given historical delays
Despite these obstacles, Governor Newsom suggests the integration of these three rail lines could help leverage California's existing infrastructure investments, potentially making the project more viable.
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