Right on Track in Victor Valley, CA
Brightline West's rail project will revolutionize intercity travel in the Victor Valley.
Plans are chugging along to connect Las Vegas to Los Angeles via a high-speed rail corridor that will pass through Victor Valley, CA.
As part of its 260-mile route, Brightline West will have stations in Apple Valley and Hesperia in the Victor Valley, giving residents a quicker way to make the 90-mile trip to Los Angeles.
“Brightline West will be the first true high-speed rail system in America and will plant the flag for how we build systems like this across the country,” says Ben Porritt, senior vice president of corporate affairs at Brightline, the Florida company that is developing the rail project. “We all envy the train systems in Europe and Asia, and Brightline West will spark a train revolution in America for how we can build systems that compete globally.”
Brightline has earned recognition from Fast Company as one of the World’s Most Innovative Companies in travel. Brightline’s goal is to reinvent train travel in hopes of reducing road congestion by connecting cities in a more efficient way.
Billions in Impact
Operating in Florida, the company is now venturing into the West with its Brightline West high-speed project, which is expected to break ground in the second half of 2023. It will take approximately four years to complete, enabling it to launch passenger service prior to the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
The $12 billion project, predominantly privately funded, is expected to have a significant economic impact and environmental benefits, including in the Victor Valley.
Brightline West will create more than $10 billion in economic impact and over $1 billion in federal, state and local tax revenue, Porritt says. The project will generate more than 35,000 jobs and 10,000 direct jobs during construction. In addition, there will be 1,000 permanent jobs left to operate the system.
“There are widespread economic impacts that will be felt throughout Southern California, including Victor Valley,” Porritt says. “We are planning two station stops, one in Apple Valley and one in Hesperia. In addition to building the train station in Apple Valley, we are also building a maintenance of operations facility there that will employ over 150 high-skilled jobs in the region.”
Green Benefits
Porritt notes that the fully electric, zero-emission trains will make Brightline West the greenest form of transportation in the U.S. The project is estimated to remove more than 3 million cars from the road and eliminate over 400,000 tons of harmful emissions each year.
“Today, there are more than 50 million trips each year between Southern California and Las Vegas, more than 85% by car,” Porritt says. “We project to carry approximately 11 million trips each year.”
Passengers will make those trips in comfort. Brightline trains offer Wi-Fi, snacks and beverages in its two classes of service. The train seats look and feel like premium economy airline seats, with plenty of legroom and an in-seat recline that slides forward. Seats feature USB ports and outlets to charge electronics. Wi-Fi speeds are strong enough for streaming entertainment and video calls.
Jobs, travel time and environmental benefits of bullet trains are just part of the overall impact. Regions like the Victor Valley served by high-speed rail expect the project to bring additional residential, commercial and industrial investment. That’s been the case with Brightline projects in the company’s home state of Florida.
With its first line launched in 2018, Brightline operates between three major metros – Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach – with service almost hourly from early morning to late night. Since then, commercial and residential projects have sprung up on properties around the stations. For example, a 27-acre mixed-use project developed around Brightline’s MiamiCentral station and a 24-story, 290-unit apartment building was built next to the train station in West Palm Beach. Developers have expressed interest in other sites along the corridor.
Porritt says the Victor Valley recognizes the importance of efficient transportation and is actively investing in enhancing mobility.
“The development of a well-connected commuting system will not only benefit the workforce but also foster economic growth by attracting more businesses to the region,” he says. “The community’s commitment to building a robust transportation network highlights its dedication to creating an optimal living and working environment.”
Get to Know Victor Valley, CA
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