A computer mockup is easy to create. The proof of the pudding will be whether Brightline actually orders cars like that and how they will market them.
That is not consistent with Brightline's business model. They recognize that restoring Desert Wind cannot be a money making proposition. Their model is fast 16-20 services per day corridor. They will never go into the business of restoring random old Amtrak trains, and they are unlikely to use too many Amtrak stations either. There is Amtrak still around for doing that. Brightline would selectively use common facilities developed for service that complies with their operating model. So at some point they could use the CAHSR facilities as they develop in the LA Basin could use something like LAX.
Pre-Brightline versions of the project envisioned using a shared CAHSR station at Palmdale, I believe, since doing so would enable interline feed from CAHSR in the Central Valley. But there's a difference between using a shared station at a probable interchange point and "Let's share everything!"
Oh, an efficient cafe operation definitely can make money. The Lynchburger managed it quite early on (helped out by the head of VA's DRPT prodding Amtrak on F&B suggestions because he was a big fan of old railroad operations and so had a good idea of what would sell when).
Thats still going to happen at some point in the future with High Desert Corridor being the connecting link. LA metro might end up funding that line
On the Austrian Railjet you can order food using an app and the attendant delivers it to your seat. This also has the advantage that the app handles the payment side so staff don't lose time on that. You can use a broader range of payment methods than a normal portable device can handle . The app is also connected to the inventory system so you cannot normally inadvertently order something that is out of stock. You can alternatively also go to the counter and order there or sit down in the restaurant.
we've got some Nice Desert Land to develop and to sell!
I would think the end to end business would be the plan to make money on Brightline West. The traffic going over the hill between these two points is quite annoying.
That is certainly the word among the railfans since they usually are more convinced than everyone else that passenger rail operations cannot be profitable. But in the official papers that Brightline Florida has produced for Bond issuance and such, the goal is clearly stated to be making money on the rail operations. The plan for Brightline West is also the same. Incidentally they will get some income from real estate, but that is not their ongoing primary source of income. Quite a bit of it is to provide startup funding.
Indeed. Incidentally it was explained to me that Brightline West is an entirely separate company from Brightline Florida as far as P&L goes.
So, let's unpack this for a moment, actually. It won't be operational tomorrow or next week, but don't forget the SNSA project (the new Las Vegas airport). If I'm in Brightline West's shoes, I've got some plans in a filing cabinet not only to plop a station there (said airport would be like 38 miles from the Strip), and probably a hotel and some other stuff. That has room to be non-trivial in terms of an investment.we've got some Nice Desert Land to develop and to sell!
Interesting if they go Alstom, they will get a set similar to the Acela 2s. Would be simpler implementation on new right of way.
I guess that figure includes people who will work for sub contractors and sub suppliers.
