The High Desert Corridor (HDC) Joint Powers Authority (JPA) conducted a live webinar yesterday in anticipation of the release of the HDC Rail Ridership and Revenue Forecast Results. This relates to the projected amount of riders and money generated from the proposed high speed rail service from Southern California to Las Vegas.
The corridor from the southland to Las Vegas is historically one of the most traveled routes in the nation, with more than 23 million people motoring along Interstate 15. Two years ago more than 15 million people traveled that route. The rail line proposes to connect Southern California to Las Vegas with access stations in Palmdale, Victorville, Burbank, Downtown Los Angeles and in Anaheim.
“This confirms that the rail connector of the HDC will add merit to attract private investors and builders, and give credibility that will justify public support—key ingredients to a successful public-private partnership,” said Robert Lovingood, a supervisor in San Bernardino County and chairman of the HDC-JPA
Officials with the HDC believe the rail project can provide a better option for interstate travel from Southern California with access points from Los Angeles, Orange and San Bernardino counties which is expected to help reduce the growing congestion on I-15, and the connecting east-west freeways (e.g. I-210, I-10, SR-60 and SR-91). Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger believes the rail project can help to ease congestion on our freeways and improve local commerce.
“This project is an important component in our regional effort to improve mobility, freight movement and interstate travel,” Barger said.
It is projected by the HDC that travelers could ultimately save two hours on a trip to and from Las Vegas. Officials tout the benefits of safety, reliability and convenience associated with high speed rail service through the Mojave Desert.
