Latest Update: Overnight Train Linking San Francisco and L.A. Gains Momentum
DEBARYLIFE – A concept to offer a luxurious overnight train ride between two of California’s cultural and economic centers using the state’s existing train tracks is beginning to take shape.
The initial moves toward bringing nightly service between San Francisco and Los Angeles to fruition were taken last month when Dreamstar Lines, a transit company based in Newport Beach, reached an agreement with one of the major freight corporations in the country.
Dreamstar and Union Pacific Railroad paved the way for the two to work out a definitive deal that would let Dreamstar run its trains on Union Pacific’s tracks by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
The Coast Line railroad route, which largely follows the California coast, connects Los Angeles County and the San Francisco Bay area. Dreamstar trains would operate on this track. Amtrak’s Coast Starlight and Pacific Surfliner are two of the trains that now operate on that route.
Dreamstar hopes to be given exclusive nightly passenger rail service between the two regions, allowing riders to board in one city, go to sleep, and wake up in another, if and when a definitive agreement is developed and agreed to.
Joshua Dominic, CEO of Dreamstar Lines, Inc., said, “Our partnership with Union Pacific Railroad is a significant milestone for Dreamstar Lines and the future of private rail travel in the United States.” “By introducing this service, we are reviving the rich history of overnight rail travel in America in addition to providing a posh and environmentally responsible travel option.”
Dreamstar claims that its train cars would feature next-generation sleeper cars with the “luxury and convenience of modern amenities and technology.” There would be private rooms and fully flat beds in the sleeping vehicles. Queen beds, “upscale trim,” and private bathrooms are features of deluxe rooms. Food and beverage service as well as high-speed internet would be available to all passengers.
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The business claims that it is also investigating the possibility of offering an “add-on auto transport service,” which would enable customers to travel with and utilize their cars when they arrive at their location. The operation of that mechanism was not disclosed by the corporation.
Instead of short-haul flights, company executives expect that this new overnight passenger rail service would provide travelers, including Californians, with a more pleasant, convenient, and environmentally responsible option.
According to Dreamstar, the new service might launch as early as the next summer. To get ready for a potential launch, the business stated last year that it was “lining up the railcars, financing, staffing.”
If things go according to plan in California, officials say there are also plans to expand into other regions.
As the two parties attempted to investigate the possibility of an agreement, Dominic expressed gratitude for Union Pacific’s readiness and cooperation.
The startup will still need to put in some work even if Dreamstar and Union Pacific are able to reach a mutual accord.
The majority of the Coast Line is owned by Union Pacific, however Metrolink in Southern California and Caltrain in Northern California each have ownership interests in the rail network.
It is important to distinguish this new proposed service from the California High-Speed Rail project, which intends to employ high-speed electric trains that pass through the California Valley to link Southern California and the Bay Area. In contrast to Dreamstar’s intended service, a large portion of that project necessitates building entirely new infrastructure.
According to Trains.com, there hasn’t been an overnight sleeper train operating between downtown Los Angeles and downtown San Francisco since the Southern Pacific “Lark” line was discontinued in 1968.