Virgin Trains USA Vice President Bob O’Malley told delegates at the Nevada Economic Development Conference that design work was 30% complete and that the proposed line between the Las Vega strip and Victorville, on the northeast outskirts of Los Angeles, would be using the Virgin Trains’ Florida project as its model. The line will span [185 miles] with trains travelling up to [149 miles] per hour, which would clock a journey time of approximately 75 minutes. — Construction Global
Virgin Trains USA is reportedly seeking financing for the project, which could shuttle up to 22 million travelers per year between the two metropolitan regions.
The outfit, which is also behind the successful Brightline train line in Florida, aims to finish construction of the L.A.-Las Vegas route by 2023. SOM is the designer for three of the Brightline's stations.
This isn't LA to Vegas.
The Victorville terminus is at (or beyond, really) the edge of the urbanized area. It's still a 2+ hour drive for many in the region-- by far the worst stretch of the trip, both environmentally and experientially. The 200-mile train route would replace only the long, almost unbroken stretch of highway that's the least impactful leg of the trip.
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I understand they are looking for investors but this project hasn't a snowball's chance in hell of being completed in 3 years. I'd seriously question the apples to oranges comparison with VT's Florida project, which has a 36 month construction period. Just a few of the differences which will drive this project's duration to more like 6 years at a minimum:
Design is at 30% - add 12 to 18 months minimum for completion of various design elements needed to even order long lead time equipment and materials, let alone begin actual construction.
Procurement of special track, signal system and traction electrification equipment. - It's unclear if VT is procuring these ahead of time under separate contract, as they are on the Florida project. If not add another 12 to 18 months to the schedule.
Diesel electric versus electrified railway - apples to oranges comparison with Florida project leaves out the fact that installation of a massive traction electrification system (overhead contact system and traction power substations) is needed to power the trains for the L.A. to Vegas line. This add months if not years to the construction schedule.
This isn't LA to Vegas.
The Victorville terminus is at (or beyond, really) the edge of the urbanized area. It's still a 2+ hour drive for many in the region-- by far the worst stretch of the trip, both environmentally and experientially. The 200-mile train route would replace only the long, almost unbroken stretch of highway that's the least impactful leg of the trip.
Barstow has a beautiful Amtrak station.
I agree that Victorville is not LA, or close to it. The worst part of the LA to Vegas trip in my experience has been the return trip from Vegas to Los Angeles. Specifically Vegas to Victorville. It's a slow and miserable drive.
They do plan on building to Palmdale once this long segment is done. I have also heard they want the Palmdale stop to be at the future California High Speed Rail (CHSR) station for the city of Palmdale. There is also preliminary talks between CHSR and VT for VT to one day have 2+ trains a day using CHSR tracks to L.A.'s Union station. I have a link below of the original plans of the company building this train before being bought out below. This first long segment is just the beginning and will expand over time and even strengthen the CHSR if it ever gets build down that way. The CHSR in my opinion is a necessary evil and this project wanting to partner with CHSR in the long run will only make things better.
http://www.xpresswest.com/expa...
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