The plan to reconnect Southern California to Las Vegas via passenger rail took a major step forward last week with the announcement that operators Las Vegas Railway Express Inc. have reached an agreement to use Union Pacific's freight rails.
Tiffany 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."
FULL STORY: Luxury party train between SoCal and Vegas: En route in 2013?
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