Asha Jones updates Las Vegas officials on Bright Line West high-speed rail project

The City of Chino Hills is set to benefit from the upcoming BrightLine West project, which aims to connect Las Vegas and Southern California with a high-speed rail service. During the March 11, 2025, City Council meeting, Asha Jones, Vice President of Corporate Affairs for BrightLine West, provided an extensive update on the project, highlighting its potential to transform regional transportation.

BrightLine West will offer a modern travel option for commuters and leisure travelers alike, with trains capable of reaching speeds up to 200 miles per hour. The project is designed to alleviate traffic congestion on the busy I-15 corridor, which sees heavy travel between Las Vegas and Southern California. Jones emphasized that the rail service will not only serve as a transportation alternative but also stimulate economic growth through transit-oriented development around the stations.

The rail line will span 218 miles, with stops planned in Victor Valley and Hesperia, in addition to major stations in Las Vegas and Rancho Cucamonga. The Rancho Cucamonga station will be strategically located above the Metrolink station, allowing seamless transfers for passengers. This integration aims to enhance accessibility and convenience for travelers, with plans for a single ticketing system that covers both BrightLine and Metrolink services.

Jones also highlighted the project's commitment to sustainability, noting that the electric trains will significantly reduce carbon emissions, equating to the removal of approximately 3 million cars from the road. The project is expected to create around 10,000 jobs, with a focus on union employment, ensuring that local workers benefit from the economic impact.

While the initial goal was to have the service operational before the 2028 Olympics, Jones indicated that the timeline has shifted, with an expected completion by the end of 2028. The project is currently in the construction phase, with contractors actively engaged in various aspects of the development.

The BrightLine West project represents a significant step forward in modernizing transportation in the region, promising to enhance connectivity, reduce travel times, and support local economies. As construction progresses, residents of Chino Hills and surrounding areas can look forward to the benefits of this innovative rail service in the near future.