XpressWest, a high-speed rail that travels up to 150mph, can get you from Los Angeles to Las Vegas in just 80 minutes, a trip which would normally take 4 hours by car.
After being unable to secure private investors in the United States or a $5.5-billion federal loan, officials from XpressWest decided to partner with China Railway International, who is providing an initial capital of $100 million, to build a high-speed rail. Construction for the 230 mile rail network is set to begin in September 2016.
XpressWest welcomes America’s first high-speed rail, designed to deliver convenience, and will feature first and business class seating, full-service entertainment club cars, food, beverage, Wi-Fi, concierge services, and full handicap accessibility. Passengers can expect to experience secure, yet barrier free arrivals and departures, with stations featuring covered parking, courtesy door to door baggage handling, a variety of dining and retail amenities; and complete intermodal transportation options.
The agreement, signed just days before President Xi Jinping’s scheduled visit to the U.S., marks China’s longtime efforts to market its high-speed rail technology in advanced economies.
To date, China has built the most extensive high-speed railway network in the world with about 10,000 miles of track. A $567 million contract last October to supply subway trains in Boston was China’s first rail-related deal in the U.S.
“This is the first high-speed railway project where China and the U.S. will have systematic cooperation,” Yang Zhongmin, a deputy chief engineer with China Railway Group said. “It shows the advancement of China-made high-speed railways.”
The Los Angeles-Las Vegas project will create new job opportunities in technology, manufacturing, and construction, according to Shu Guozeng, deputy head of the government’s Office of the Central Leading Group for Financial and Economic Affairs in China.
During President Xi’s visit to the U.S., the two countries are expected to reach agreements on trade, energy, climate, finance, aviation, defense, and infrastructure construction.
With set fares at $89, XpressWest will help to reduce air pollution from automobiles, cut fuel consumption, improve highway safety, and limit the need to expand I-15.
Source: LA Times and Bloomberg
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