Monday April 22nd, marked a historic milestone when ground was broken for Brightline’s highly anticipated high-speed rail project connecting Rancho Cucamonga to Las Vegas.
The groundbreaking ceremony, held at the site of the future Las Vegas station, marks the commencement of construction for this transformative transportation infrastructure project. Representatives from Brightline, local government officials and community stakeholders gathered to celebrate the start of this monumental project, which promises to revolutionize travel between Southern California and Las Vegas.
The Brightline high-speed rail service will offer passengers a comfortable and convenient travel experience, with state-of-the-art trains capable of reaching speeds of up to 200 miles per hour. Trains will take passengers from Las Vegas to Rancho Cucamonga in just 2 hours and 10 minutes, twice as fast as the normal drive time. The 218-mile route will feature premium amenities to exceptional onboard experiences with all the extras.
“I am excited for our residents to experience the convenience of this sustainable travel option,” said Fourth District Supervisor Curt Hagman, who attended the event with Second District Supervisor Jesse Armendarez.
“The Brightline high-speed rail service is expected to stimulate economic growth and create thousands of jobs throughout the region. Construction of the rail will generate opportunities for local businesses and suppliers, while ongoing operations will support jobs in the hospitality, tourism, and transportation sectors. Additionally, the zero-emission electric train will remove over 400,000 tons of CO2 emissions every year,” Hagman said. Now that’s a lot of emissions removed!!
“Together, we are embarking on a journey that will not only reduce commute times but also create new job opportunities and enhance the overall quality of life for our residents,” said Armendarez. Yes, I see the drive up and down the hill when needed to be less congested and people commuting experiencing less wear and tear on their vehicles.
“The Brightline West project is particularly noteworthy for its commitment to environmental sustainability,” Armendarez said. “By primarily constructing the intercity passenger rail service within the median of the Interstate 15 right-of-way, we are minimizing the project’s ecological footprint. By investing in transportation infrastructure that prioritizes environmental sustainability and safety, we are laying the foundation for a more prosperous and interconnected future.” Brightline East project has been in operation in Florida since 2018 between Fort Lauderdale and Miami and just last year opened from Orlando to Miami with a station to open in Tampa in late 2026. All of that to say they have a history of speed and efficiency in moving folks from where they are to where they want to be in high density areas.
Brightline anticipates that the high-speed rail service here in Southern California will begin operations within the next few years, providing travelers with a fast, reliable, and environmentally friendly mode of transportation between Rancho Cucamonga and Las Vegas. After years of planning and meeting after meeting for approvals, it is beyond exciting to see the ground breaking and know the ribbon cutting is a reality soon.
“Congratulations on your major step forward,” Board of Supervisors Chairman and Third District Supervisor Dawn Rowe told Nevadans in a video message. “San Bernardino County’s snowy slopes, alpine forests, and many other attractions await you. Nevada, welcome to your Southern California vacation playground. “
I for one will be “all aboard”, how about you?!?!