A plan to link Brightline West and California's bullet train picks up steam
A plan to link two major high-speed rail lines currently under construction in California is moving forward, thanks to a recent significant development.
The High Desert Corridor Joint Powers Agency recently signed two landmark labor agreements that could pave the way for a 54-mile connection between two massive rail projects that are in the works: Brightline West and California High-Speed Rail (sometimes referred to as the “bullet train”).
With this development, leaders envision that passengers could eventually take a “one-seat” ride from Las Vegas to downtown Los Angeles.
But a lot has to happen before that’s a reality.
2 systems under construction
California is a hotbed of new high-speed rail projects.
Despite years of costly delays, the long-planned California High-Speed Rail could be a major transportation option in the state — once open, of course — and will connect the Bay Area with Los Angeles in less than three hours. A subsequent construction phase will see extensions stretching as far as Sacramento and San Diego.
Meanwhile, Brightline, the private company behind the innovative rail system in Florida, broke ground this spring on a new 218-mile high-speed line set to connect Southern California with Las Vegas by the 2028 Olympic Games, which will take place in Los Angeles.
Amid those two projects, a group of Southern California leaders is focused on creating a seamless link between the two electric rail lines.
High Desert Corridor
The proposed High Desert Corridor would span 54 miles and has been discussed for years. Plans call for a line to be laid from Victor Valley at the eastern end — a Mojave Desert town in the Inland Empire where Brightline West plans to build a station — to Palmdale at the west end, where the bullet train is set to run.
Read more: The best credit cards for Amtrak and train travel
The proposals require tracks to be compatible with both systems’ trains, giving a would-be operator — or operators — the ability to carry passengers at speeds topping 200 miles per hour, a spokesperson for the organization told TPG.
The group hopes the project could eventually set the stage for nonstop rail service between Vegas and Los Angeles Union Station. However, Brightline West plans require riders to connect to regional transportation to reach the city center.
The High Desert Corridor won California state environmental clearance in June 2016, and its leaders are now seeking similar federal approvals.
They’re also on the hunt for more funding. So far, leaders have $2 billion earmarked for the project and told TPG they’re open to any number of funding options — federal grants, loans or a partnership with a private company.
The latest estimates peg the total project price tag at somewhere between $5 billion and $6 billion — though that could shift as plans continue to develop and evolve.
The group hopes to break ground by 2028, right around the time Brightline West is due to be completed.
Last week, the project took a major step forward when more than a dozen unions signed a memorandum of understanding. The move paves the way for labor agreements for the construction as well as for maintenance and operations once the line is completed.
Bottom line
California has two major high-speed rail projects in the works. Now, there are signs of progress on a plan to connect the two train systems, perhaps creating a far more connected transportation landscape on the West Coast in the not-too-distant future.
All of this comes amid massive U.S. federal and private investment in rail. Between new intercity lines and transformative improvements along Amtrak's Northeast Corridor, it's an interesting time of development for the future of train travel in the U.S.
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Annual Fee
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
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- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
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- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
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Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.