Plans are underway to establish an overnight first-class passenger train service connecting San Francisco and Los Angeles. California startup company Dreamstar Lines is overseeing the privately-funded project of the heavily-traveled route. The train service plans to be operational as early as the summer of 2024.
According to SFGATE, Dreamstar is in discussions with Metrolink and Union Pacific Railroad Co. to execute the plan. Substantial work still needs to be accomplished, however, in terms of securing funding, contracts, and agreements.
The company’s plan is to design a luxurious train with five or six sleeper cars and a lounge area, adhering to the “Streamline Moderne” style, which encompasses Art Deco features and components from vintage streamliner railcars. The train will run from 10 p.m. to 8:30 a.m., with stops in Santa Barbara, San Jose, and San Luis Obispo. Ticket prices are estimated to range between $300 and $1000.
First Overnight Train Service Between The Cities In Decades
Dreamstar is seeking approval to operate the first night train along the San Francisco-Los Angeles route in over four decades. Previously, the Spirit of California, an Amtrak train, served as an overnight service between Sacramento and LA until 1983. The Southern Pacific Company also operated a first-class night train called the Lark between San Francisco and LA from 1941 to 1968.
Railroads played a crucial role in the expansion and development of the United States during the 19th century. However, railroads began to decline towards the end of the century due to inadequate management and a lack of government regulations. The advent of automobiles and, eventually, airplanes lured many passengers away from rail travel, and by the 1980s, government-owned Amtrak had taken over passenger railroad transportation. The few remaining private passenger trains eventually disappeared.
Rail travel has garnered renewed interest in recent years, with U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg advocating for various public transportation projects throughout the country. His goal is to reduce traffic, pollution, and the cost of living for millions of Americans.