The $12 billion project, benefiting from $3 billion in federal funds from President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, is set to revolutionize travel between the two popular destinations.

Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg will join company leaders and other officials for the start of construction in Las Vegas on Monday, as confirmed by the Department of Transportation. The ceremony marks a major milestone for Brightline West, the company behind the ambitious rail project.

With trains projected to begin running as early as early 2028, just in time for the Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, travelers can look forward to a fast and convenient mode of transportation. The electric trains will depart every 45 minutes, offering frequent service from a station located south of Las Vegas' renowned Strip and another station in Rancho Cucamonga, a Los Angeles suburb.

Traveling at speeds of up to 186 mph, faster than any other train in the United States, Brightline West trains will complete the 218-mile journey in approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes. This will significantly reduce travel time compared to driving between Rancho Cucamonga and Las Vegas, which typically takes at least three hours without traffic, according to Google Maps.

President Biden expressed enthusiasm for the project, saying, "At long last, we're building the first high-speed rail project in our nation's history." He further emphasized that this project has been in discussion for decades and is now finally becoming a reality.

Brightline West will run along Interstate 15 for a significant portion of the journey but will also make two intermediate stops in Hesperia and Apple Valley, California. Travelers from Los Angeles can conveniently access the Rancho Cucamonga station via Metrolink, Southern California's regional rail system.

Aside from its impressive speed, Brightline West aims to provide a comfortable and enjoyable travel experience. Stations will be spacious, featuring comfortable seating areas, bars selling craft cocktails, and a premium passenger lounge. Onboard, assigned seats and fast WiFi will be available, with attendants offering snacks and drinks throughout the trip.

The success of Brightline's Florida operation, which connects Miami to Orlando, has demonstrated the potential for high-speed rail travel. In March alone, the company reported record-breaking ridership of 258,307 passengers, with one in three trains nearly at full capacity. These numbers reinforce the need for fast and frequent trains between major U.S. cities such as Los Angeles and Las Vegas.

Brightline West estimates that, during its first full year of operation, approximately 6 million people will ride its trains. This number is projected to grow to as many as 9.2 million people within a decade. The convenience and efficiency of the rail service are expected to attract travelers who would have otherwise driven or flown between Southern California and Las Vegas.

The groundbreaking of the Brightline West high-speed rail project signifies a significant step forward in transforming transportation options in the United States. As construction begins, future travelers can anticipate a seamless and time-saving journey between Las Vegas and Southern California, with the added benefits of comfort and convenience offered by Brightline.