Latest news with #AmeriStarRail
New York Post
3 days ago
- Business
- New York Post
High-speed train linking NYC to Los Angeles proposed ahead of FIFA World Cup
A high-speed rail line hopes to connect Los Angeles to New York City in time for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. A proposal — dubbed 'The Transcontinental Chief' and pitched to Amtrak as well as President Trump and his secretary of transportation, Sean Duffy — would shoot riders between the country's two biggest cities in just 72 hours. Delaware-based Ameristar Rail said it would use existing infrastructure owned by Amtrak and other regional rail lines passing through major cities like Kansas City, Chicago and Philadelphia rather than launch a massive and costly new public project. Advertisement It would be funded by private investors — not taxpayers — and would carry vehicles as well as passengers, modeled after Europe's truck transport trains, Ameristar said. A proposed high-speed rail line could soon connect Los Angeles to New York City in under 72 hours. 'The Transcontinental Chief will be a great opportunity for Amtrak to team up with the private sector to confront the challenges of its money-losing long-distance trains and create opportunities to usher in a profitable Golden Age of rail travel for passengers and truckers, with the ingenuity of free enterprise, as we celebrate our great nation's 250th birthday next year,' Scott Spencer, AmeriStarRail's chief operating officer, wrote in a letter to Amtrak, according to Newsweek. Advertisement AmeriStarRail hopes to have it running by May 10, 2026 — in time for the FIFA World Cup, which is being hosted across North America, with the finals at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The plan has been pitched to President Trump and Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy, the paper reported. The Trump administration has been notified of the proposal, which would utilize already-existing rail infrastructure. muratart – Ameristar leaders said taxpayers will not foot the project, which would be funded by private investors. Advertisement 'Subject to operating agreements with the host railroads (BNSF, Norfolk Southern and New Jersey Transit) the Transcontinental Chief can start operations on National Train Day, Sunday, May 10, 2026 to begin serving tourists for America 250 celebrations and the 2026 FIFA World Cup,' a spokesperson said. 'The Transcontinental Chief can be privately operated and funded, without new congressional legislation or additional federal spending.' Amtrak has not yet responded to the proposal, according to Newsweek.
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Direct train from LA to NYC to 'open next year' ahead of FIFA World Cup and will make journey faster than ever
A proposed high-speed rail line could soon connect Los Angeles to New York City in under 72 hours, with operations potentially launching in time for the 2026 FIFA World Cup - and America's 250th anniversary. The proposal comes from AmeriStarRail, a Delaware-based transportation company, which submitted a detailed plan to Amtrak outlining the 'Transcontinental Chief' - a long-distance rail service that would repurpose existing Amtrak routes and infrastructure. The train would travel through major cities including Kansas City, Chicago, and Philadelphia, while also offering views of the Grand Canyon. Unlike traditional high-speed rail initiatives that require extensive new infrastructure, AmeriStarRail's groundbreaking proposal would utilize Amtrak's current fleet of coaches, sleepers, and dining cars, along with host railroads like BNSF, Norfolk Southern and New Jersey Transit. The high-speed rail line is not only designed to carry passengers, but also vehicles, buses, and even long-haul trucks. The proposed service plans to blend elements of Europe's truck transport trains with U.S. passenger rail operations, offering vehicle-boarding for truckers and travelers along with Amtrak-style accommodations and amenities. Different than other recently proposed plans to upgrade U.S. transit, the AmeriStarRail's proposal emphasizes that the 'Transcontinental Chief' project would be privately funded, requiring no new federal appropriations or legislation. 'The Transcontinental Chief will be a great opportunity for Amtrak to team up with the private sector to confront the challenges of its money-losing long-distance trains and create opportunities to usher in a profitable Golden Age of rail travel for passengers and truckers, with the ingenuity of free enterprise, as we celebrate our great nation's 250th birthday next year,' AmeriStarRail COO Scott Spencer said in the proposal submitted to Amtrak. A proposed high-speed rail line could soon connect Los Angeles to New York City in under 72 hours, with operations potentially launching in time for the 2026 FIFA World Cup - and America's 250th anniversary. Pictured: Modern intercity passenger train Proposed route of the Transcontinental Chief train to Los Angeles to New York City in just in 72 hours File photo above of passengers on a sleep train AmeriStarRail COO Scott Spencer The company has also presented the proposal to President Donald Trump, Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy and members of Congress, Newsweek reported. 'AmeriStarRail's proposal to turn Amtrak's money-losing long-distance trains into profit makers has also been shared with President Trump, DOGE, USDOT Secretary Sean Duffy, the FRA and Members of Congress,' a spokesperson for AmeriStarRail said. According to the company, the service could begin by May 10, 2026 - just weeks before the U.S. co-hosts the World Cup and marks its semiquincentennial. 'Subject to operating agreements with the host railroads (BNSF, Norfolk Southern and New Jersey Transit) the Transcontinental Chief can start operations on National Train Day, Sunday, May 10, 2026 to begin serving tourists for America 250 celebrations and the 2026 FIFA World Cup,' the private rail company spokesperson added. AmeriStarRail argues the plan offers a path toward expanding high-speed rail in the U.S. without the delays and costs associated with entirely new infrastructure. However, the project hinges on Amtrak's cooperation and requires agreements with multiple host railroads. There are also operational challenges, including right-of-way access, scheduling, and safety protocols. Amtrak has yet to respond to the proposal. File photo of passengers waiting to board an Amtrak train According to the company, the service could begin by May 10, 2026 - just weeks before the U.S. co-hosts the World Cup and marks its semiquincentennial. Pictured: Donald Trump speaks with Gianni Infantino, President of FIFA, during a meeting at the White House ahead of the 2026 World Cup The new route would link Los Angeles (pictured) to New York in under 72 hours Getting from LA to NYC (pictured) is set to be quicker than ever if you don't want to fly If approved, the Transcontinental Chief would effectively replace Amtrak's existing Southwest Chief and Pennsylvanian services. While the proposal is still in early stages, it adds to growing momentum for enhanced passenger rail in the U.S., including Brightline's West Coast expansion and ongoing developments in California's high-speed rail system. With the clock ticking toward 2026, AmeriStarRail hopes its transcontinental train can move from concept to track - delivering a new era of cross-country travel just in time for a historic year.
Time Out
08-07-2025
- Business
- Time Out
This new high-speed train could get you from NYC to L.A. in 72 hours
Could an easy alternative to flying across the country be on the horizon? In an open letter sent directly to the president of Amtrak, Delaware-based AmeriStarRail has proposed a bold, transcontinental high-speed rail project that promises to whisk passengers from New York City to Los Angeles in under 72 hours. Dubbed the "Transcontinental Chief," the proposed service would run on existing rail infrastructure and would make stops in major destinations including Chicago, Kansas City and the Grand Canyon. Unlike pie-in-the-sky maglev fantasies, AmeriStarRail's plan leans on practicality. The company aims to use current Amtrak assets—coaches, sleepers, dining cars—and partner with host railroads like BNSF, Norfolk Southern and New Jersey Transit. Passengers wouldn't just get from coast to coast in comfort; they could also bring along their cars and even tractor-trailers. The goal is to launch by May 2026, just in time for the FIFA World Cup and the country's 250th anniversary. That timeline is tight, especially considering the logistical tangles involved: track scheduling, rights-of-way, funding agreements and, not least, getting a green light from Amtrak. Amtrak hasn't responded to the proposal yet, and history suggests they might not bite. The company has previously passed on similar pitches from AmeriStarRail. Still, AmeriStarRail is pushing forward. COO Scott Spencer is calling it the beginning of a "new Golden Age" in American rail, offering a scenic, lower-carbon alternative to air travel. Can they pull it off? The biggest question mark remains Amtrak's cooperation. Without their participation, the plan is a no-go. But AmeriStarRail claims it has private capital lined up and has already briefed members of Congress. Whether the Transcontinental Chief becomes reality or not, one thing's clear: there's growing momentum to rethink American rail. And with the spotlight soon to be on U.S. infrastructure during the World Cup and 250th anniversary, AmeriStarRail aims to make its mark.
USA Today
07-07-2025
- Business
- USA Today
AmeriStarRail pitches coast-to-coast high-speed rail project, with High Desert stops
Move over Brightline West, transportation company AmeriStarRail has pitched a Los Angeles to New York high-speed rail project, which would travel through the High Desert. The Delaware-based company proposed its high-speed rail project dubbed the 'Transcontinental Chief' to the longtime passenger rail company Amtrak, according to Newsweek. AmeriStarRail inked its proposal in June to Amtrak President Roger Harris about the possible joint venture connecting both coasts in under 72 hours. The project would include dozens of stops, including Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Victorville, Barstow, the Grand Canyon, Kansas City, Chicago and New York. The AmeriStarRail system would use existing infrastructure from host railroads, including BNSF, Norfolk Southern and New Jersey Transit, Newsweek reported. Many variables Victorville Mayor Elizabeth Becerra told the Daily Press on Wednesday that there are 'a lot of variables' to work through before the proposed project sees approval. 'It sounds like a great idea, but they'll have to deal with things like train schedules, permission to use BNSF tracks, funding, construction of a new station and a mountain of regulations,' Becerra. 'If they plan to bring the project through Victorville, I hope they let us sit down at the discussion table.' The current Amtrak schedule shows a train passing through the High Desert twice a day. Operational by 2026? AmeriStarRail explained that the goal of the project includes having trains operational by May 10, 2026, in time for the FIFA World Cup and the United States' 250th anniversary celebrations, according to Newsweek. The rail system would use existing TTX flatcars and auto carriers, along with Amtrak locomotives and passenger cars. It would also be on a route that is mostly double track, according to Trains Magazine. 'The Transcontinental Chief will be a great opportunity for Amtrak to team up with the private sector to confront the challenges of its money-losing long-distance trains and create opportunities to usher in a profitable Golden Age of rail travel for passengers and truckers, with the ingenuity of free enterprise, as we celebrate our great nation's 250th birthday next year,' the AmeriStarRail letter stated. Amtrak has yet to respond to AmeriStarRail and has not acted on previous pitches made by the company, Newsweek reported. The proposed route would replace Amtrak's Southwest Chief Line, which runs from Los Angeles to Chicago. Additionally, the Pennsylvanian Line on the East Coast. Brightline West One high-speed rail project in California includes Brightline West's 218-mile rail line between Las Vegas and Rancho Cucamonga, with stops in Apple Valley and Hesperia. The Brightline West track will primarily run along the Interstate 15 median. Trains capable of reaching 186 mph or more will cut the trip between Las Vegas to Rancho Cucamonga to two hours – half the time to travel by car, the company said. Brightline West's $12 billion high-speed rail project will be a fully electric, zero-emission system to become one of the greenest forms of transportation in the U.S. Field testing has continued after Brightline West hosted a groundbreaking for its high-speed rail system in Las Vegas in April 2024. In February 2025, Nevada Department of Transportation officials were told by Brightline officials that construction of the rail project would begin within the next two months. California High-Speed Rail Authority Earlier this year, President Donald Trump said the government would not fund the California High-Speed Rail Authority's project that would connect Los Angeles to San Francisco. Nearly17 years after California voters initially approved a bond to help fund its construction, the project's main focus is now a Merced to Bakersfield railway with an expected operational date between 2030 and 2033, the Fresno Bee reported. Railway News reported that while the California High-Speed Rail project has faced delays, cost overruns, and political scrutiny, the San Francisco Bay Area continues to ready itself to become a vital terminus. Despite the controversy surrounding the project, regional leaders are steadily preparing infrastructure for its arrival. During the American Public Transportation Association's High-Speed Rail Seminar, Andrew Fremier, Executive Director of the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, asserted that the agency remains fully committed to bringing the California High-Speed Rail project to San Francisco and believes that it can be feasibly brought forward in increments. Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at RDeLaCruz@ Follow him on X @DP_ReneDeLaCruz
Newsweek
02-07-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
Coast-to-Coast High-Speed Rail Route Proposed Between Los Angeles and New York
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A private rail venture in Delaware has proposed a high-speed rail project that would stretch from one side of the U.S. to the other. AmeriStarRail, a startup specializing in high-speed and intermodal passenger rail, pitched a partnership with Amtrak to launch the "Transcontinental Chief," a high-speed rail route that would run between Los Angeles and New York in under 72 hours. The Context Work on high-speed rail projects across the U.S. remains stagnant. Only a few networks are underway, and they face increasing local and federal opposition. The largest high-speed rail project being worked on is in California, where 500 miles of track are planned to connect San Francisco, Sacramento, Los Angeles and San Diego. What To Know In an open letter to Roger Harris, the president of Amtrak, AmeriStarRail proposed a joint venture with the goal of making Amtrak generate a profit. "The Transcontinental Chief will be a great opportunity for Amtrak to team up with the private sector to confront the challenges of its money-losing long-distance trains and create opportunities to usher in a profitable Golden Age of rail travel for passengers and truckers, with the ingenuity of free enterprise, as we celebrate our great nation's 250th birthday next year," Scott Spencer, AmeriStarRail's chief operating officer, wrote in the letter. The proposed service would blend elements of Europe's truck transport trains with U.S. passenger rail operations, offering vehicle-boarding for truckers and travelers alongside Amtrak-style accommodations and amenities. A map of the proposed coast-to-coast high-speed rail route from New York to Los Angeles. A map of the proposed coast-to-coast high-speed rail route from New York to Los Angeles. AmeriStarRail AmeriStarRail pitched the initiative to launch by May 10, 2026, timed to coincide with the United States' 250th anniversary celebrations and the FIFA World Cup. The startup, which previously advocated for upgrading Amtrak's Northeast Corridor with private investment, said the new long-distance service could be launched without additional federal spending or congressional action thanks to private investment. The plan includes major stops at Harrisburg, Chicago and the Grand Canyon before reaching Los Angeles. The new route would replace Amtrak's Southwest Chief and Pennsylvanian lines and rely on existing infrastructure from host railroads, including BNSF, Norfolk Southern and New Jersey Transit. Unlike past rail startups that have required federal funding, AmeriStarRail says its model is entirely privately funded. The company has presented the proposal to President Donald Trump, Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy and members of Congress. What People Are Saying A spokesperson for AmeriStarRail told Newsweek: "AmeriStarRail's proposal to turn Amtrak's money-losing long-distance trains into profit makers has also been shared with President Trump, DOGE, USDOT Secretary Sean Duffy, the FRA and Members of Congress. "Subject to operating agreements with the host railroads (BNSF, Norfolk Southern and New Jersey Transit) the Transcontinental Chief can start operations on National Train Day, Sunday, May 10, 2026 to begin serving tourists for America 250 celebrations and the 2026 FIFA World Cup. "The Transcontinental Chief can be privately operated and funded, without new congressional legislation or additional federal spending." What Happens Next Amtrak has yet to respond to the pitch from AmeriStarRail and has not acted on previous pitches made by the company.
