sun dazed / FlickrTiffany Hsu brings word that the operators of the so-called "party on wheels," who have been working on the plan since 2009, could get the party started as early as next year. "The deal [reached with Union Pacific Railroad] gives LVRE access to a route between Las Vegas and Daggett, an unincorporated town in San Bernardino County. But the company plans to have its X Train, which is set to begin service in late 2013, launch its trips from Fullerton."
The X Train, which could resume passenger service between the areas after a 13 year absence, will compete with the increasingly congested vehicular route (I-15), bus service, and direct flights with a five-hour "first-class" journey, "including chef-prepared meals, tables with flat screen televisions, live performances, customer service from so-called 'conductresses' and sports lounges."
"Some 4 million people a year could use a conventional rail passenger train, the company said, citing a study by the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada," notes Hsu. "With additional revenues from serving as a concierge to travelers – helping to book hotel rooms, spa appointments, dinner reservations and show tickets – LVRE believes its business could be worth $500 million a year."
