They started work this last week on the new terminal site in Las Vegas. It should be done in 2029. Everyone in Vegas says this project is a big joke and a waste of money. How do the people of California feel about it ? And would you ever use it or is it just for the kids going to the strip ?
Originally posted by: Brent Kline
They started work this last week on the new terminal site in Las Vegas. It should be done in 2029. Everyone in Vegas says this project is a big joke and a waste of money. How do the people of California feel about it ? And would you ever use it or is it just for the kids going to the strip ?
Honestly Brent, the only advantage this has is that you wouldn't have to drive, although you do have to drive to the train depot in your town, or where they would be. We have an Amtrak/Metrolink terminal in Riverside, so imagine Brightline would just use that.
That being said, it supposedly going to take a little more than two hours to get there from LA, but I also don't know if that is taking into consideration various stops along the way to Anaheim, Riverside, San Bernardino, Barstow, or even Victorville, on the way to LV.
Then you have to factor in what the cost of tickets will be, and if you have to pay for parking at the original terminal. As far as I go, I won't be using it, but I can see the appeal and convenience for others.
Drivers are super terrible at understanding how much it costs to operate their car.
According to AAA, the national average in 2023 was $0.81 per mile. I expect it's markedly higher for Californians and Las Vegans in 2025, let alone when (if) Brightline starts up.
On a typical 550 mile round trip drive between Los Angeles and Las Vegas, that's $446 using the lower, national average. Probably over $500 for actual Californians and Nevadans in 2025.
I expect many such drivers will balk at the cost of Brightline, not realizing it'll likely be less expensive for travelers, even after factoring in Vegas parking and rideshare expenses.
