The privately operated train would use existing tracks to provide overnight service.

If a new California company has its way, writes Bill Buchanan in SFGate, Californians could travel between San Francisco and Los Angeles on a first-class, overnight passenger train.
“Dreamstar Lines Inc., a small Newport Beach company, says it’s working on lining up the railcars, financing, staffing and agreements needed to offer the first night train on the route in decades.” Dreamstar is banking on the convenience of overnight travel to lure travelers away from traffic-choked freeways and crowded airports.
“Eastmond said Dreamstar is talking with Union Pacific Railroad Co. (UP) and Southern California commuter system Metrolink, which each own or control part of the 470-mile route.” The company would also need an agreement with the Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board/Caltrain for the segment between San Jose and San Francisco.
Fares on the line would cost between $300 and $1,000 and could, in the company’s estimation, begin service as early as summer 2024 if Dreamstar secures funding and agreements with the rail owners. The article clarifies that Dreamstar is not connected to the beleaguered California high-speed rail project, which also aims to connect the Bay Area and Los Angeles via a new rail line that will accommodate faster trains.
FULL STORY: California startup Dreamstar wants to run a private night train between SF and LA

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation
California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.

From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street
How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.
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