Brightline West to Bring High-Speed Rail to California by 2029
Brightline West, a significant high-speed rail project in the U.S., is set to connect Las Vegas with the Greater Los Angeles area by 2029. The project, currently under construction, is part of a strong momentum in U.S. rail development, supported by significant state investments and innovative projects.
The trains for Brightline West will be supplied by Siemens Mobility, with ten American Pioneer 220 (AP220) trainsets planned for the fleet. These trains can reach up to 354 km/h (220 mph), significantly faster than Amtrak's Acela trains on the Northeast Corridor (NEC), which reach 160 mph (258 km/h) but average around 70 mph (112 km/h) due to track limitations.
Brightline West will have a simplified route along Interstate 15, with construction expected to begin in 2026. However, passengers traveling to Los Angeles' Union Station will need to transfer to the San Bernardino Metrolink line from the project's terminus near Ontario International Airport in Rancho Cucamonga. This transfer may cause inconvenience, unlike the direct access provided by Amtrak's Acela at Washington D.C.'s Union Station.
In contrast to Amtrak's long-distance trains, which often face delays due to differing infrastructure priorities and operational decisions, giving precedence to freight traffic, Brightline West aims to provide a more reliable service. An out-of-court settlement between Norfolk Southern and Amtrak in September 2024 led to a 53% reduction in delays on Norfolk Southern's network, indicating potential improvements in punctuality.
Brightline West's high-speed rail project, set to introduce new electric high-speed trains in California, promises faster journeys and improved reliability compared to traditional Amtrak services. However, the need for transfers at the Los Angeles end may pose a challenge for passengers. The project's completion in 2029 will reveal the full extent of its impact on U.S. rail travel.
