By Arianna Clay, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, Calif. The Tribune Content Agency
The coming bullet train from Rancho Cucamonga to Las Vegas promises the ultimate in travel.
Plush seats. A full bar. All in a luxurious setting.
The company behind the passenger train, Brightline West, has released artist's renderings of the project. The drawings include the interior design for its "party car" - which will sport a fuchsia and light green interior and a modern look that the company says gives off a "luxurious vibe."
The train's "party car" will be an additional perk for passengers. It will have a bar, tables, green padded benches and single seats. Colored mood lighting can change for day or night.
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An artist's rendering shows Brightline West's Smart standard seats. The rail line will run between Rancho Cucamonga and Las Vegas. (Courtesy of Brightline West)
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An artist's rendering shows the bar inside Brightline West's so-called party car, which will be part of its high-speed train from Rancho Cucamonga to Las Vegas. (Courtesy of Brightline West)
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The future Brightline West Southern California Station in Rancho Cucamonga is seen in an artist's rendering. (Courtesy of Brightline West)
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An artist's rendering shows the Premium quad seats on Brightline West's bullet train from Rancho Cucamonga to Las Vegas. (Courtesy of Brightline West)
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The exterior of Brightline West's bullet train from Southern California to Las Vegas is seen in an artist's rendering. (Courtesy of Brightline West)
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An artist's rendering shows the Premium seats on Brightline West's high-speed train from Rancho Cucamonga to Las Vegas. (Courtesy of Brightline West)
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An artist's rendering shows the party car on Brightline West's high-speed train that will run between Rancho Cucamonga and Las Vegas. (Courtesy of Brightline West)
An artist's rendering shows Brightline West's Smart standard seats. The rail line will run between Rancho Cucamonga and Las Vegas. (Courtesy of Brightline West)
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"It's the perfect space to kick back, pop some champagne, and enjoy the ride from Vegas to California in style," Brightline West wrote in a recent post on X.
The train's 218-mile route will include stations in Rancho Cucamonga, Hesperia, Apple Valley and Las Vegas, connecting to Southern California's Metrolink regional rail service.
Construction is expected to take about four years, with trains starting to roll in 2028.
Details on who can get a seat in the party car and how, as well as additional details about it are still being determined, Brightline West spokesperson Antonio Castelan said.
Brightline West estimates the electric rail system will save more than 400,000 tons of carbon per year, providing an alternative to those who don't want to fly or drive to Las Vegas.
The hope is that with fewer drivers trying to get to Las Vegas from the Los Angeles area, "the 15 Freeway will be less congested, which means less emissions and safer roads," Castelan said.
The Nevada Department of Transportation won a $3 billion grant from the Federal Railroad Administration to build the project, the company announced in late September.
The Las Vegas station is being built near the Strip, between the 15 Freeway and Las Vegas Boulevard, and will give passengers access to Harry Reid International Airport, the Las Vegas Convention Center and the Las Vegas Raiders' Allegiant Stadium, a Brightline West news release states.
Trains would run daily on 60-minute time intervals between Rancho Cucamonga and Apple Valley, a Federal Railroad Administration news release states.
The $12 billion project will also cut the approximately four-hour commute from Southern California to Las Vegas down to about two hours, according to Brightline West.
Passengers will be able to choose between two seating options: Smart, the standard option with reclining leather seats, and Premium, which a Brightline West release called "similar to a first-class experience."
Premium seats will have more legroom and extra amenities, but both sections will be equipped with power and USB outlets at each seat and food and drinks that can be bought from attendants onboard.
Related links
* Construction begins on high-speed train between Southern California and Las Vegas
* Rancho Cucamonga to Las Vegas high-speed trains to be built in New York
* Bullet train to Las Vegas would speed change in Rancho Cucamonga
* Cucamonga Station celebrated as Las Vegas-to-Southern California rail gateway
Each seven-car train will carry about 450 passengers, depending on the final layout, a news release states.
Officials have not yet announced ticket prices.
Dogs and cats will be allowed on board if they're kept in closed, leak-proof pet carriers. Other train amenities will include free Wi-Fi, storage for carry-on luggage and bikes, restrooms, appetizers, snacks and pastries for sale and the option to check a bag before boarding. Trains will be accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
Updates on Brightline West's project can be found here.