Startup Proposes L.A.-to-San Francisco Night Train

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.