This is the most optimistic I’ve felt about U.S. rail in years. What’s striking is how Brightline West’s design philosophy seems to prioritize doability over perfection — choosing the I-15 median, avoiding eminent domain, sidestepping LA proper. It’s a pragmatic pivot that might finally break the cycle of planning paralysis that’s plagued California HSR.
That said, the Rancho Cucamonga terminus is a psychological hurdle. Without a true LA anchor, it risks being seen as a half-measure. The Metrolink connection is functional, but it doesn’t yet deliver the seamless “wow” factor that flips public perception.
Not fun enduring 1 1/2 hour cab lines in Vegas. Bumper-to-bumper traffic on a Sunday night driving back to southern California. No monorail connection to the strip from the airport. The LA to Vegas route will be successful and is long overdue.
What great news! I hope Canada follows suit.
This is the most optimistic I’ve felt about U.S. rail in years. What’s striking is how Brightline West’s design philosophy seems to prioritize doability over perfection — choosing the I-15 median, avoiding eminent domain, sidestepping LA proper. It’s a pragmatic pivot that might finally break the cycle of planning paralysis that’s plagued California HSR.
That said, the Rancho Cucamonga terminus is a psychological hurdle. Without a true LA anchor, it risks being seen as a half-measure. The Metrolink connection is functional, but it doesn’t yet deliver the seamless “wow” factor that flips public perception.
Not fun enduring 1 1/2 hour cab lines in Vegas. Bumper-to-bumper traffic on a Sunday night driving back to southern California. No monorail connection to the strip from the airport. The LA to Vegas route will be successful and is long overdue.