A proposed high-speed rail project could connect Los Angeles to New York in under 72 hours, transforming the future of cross-country travel. AmeriStarRail, a Delaware-based private transportation firm, has submitted a formal pitch to Amtrak for a joint venture to launch what it’s calling the “Transcontinental Chief.”
Using a blend of passenger comfort and freight-hauling efficiency, the new line would make dozens of stops across the country, leveraging existing infrastructure and requiring no new federal funding. The company hopes to begin service by May 10, 2026, just in time for America’s 250th anniversary and the FIFA World Cup.
Proposed Route Highlights Major American Cities
The Transcontinental Chief would link the East and West Coasts through a series of well-known destinations:
Los Angeles
San Bernardino
Victorville
Grand Canyon
Kansas City
Chicago
Harrisburg
New York City
According to Newsweek, AmeriStarRail’s model involves collaboration with freight operators like BNSF and Norfolk Southern, and could support both passengers and vehicle transport on the Los Angeles to New York rail project.
Local Leaders Cautiously Optimistic
Victorville Mayor Elizabeth Becerra welcomed the idea but emphasized the many challenges ahead. “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,” she noted.
Privately Funded, Publicly Accessible
Unlike other struggling rail projects in the U.S. hampered by threats of federal fuding cuts, AmeriStarRail’s proposal claims it can launch without additional federal investment or new congressional approval. The plan calls for using Amtrak’s existing assets—passenger cars, locomotives, and compatible track—to keep costs manageable.
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Key Project Highlights
- Travel Time: Under 72 hours from Los Angeles to New York
- Stops Include: Grand Canyon, Chicago, Victorville, and more
- Public-Private Partnership: Proposed as a joint venture with Amtrak
- Target Launch Date: May 10, 2026
- Infrastructure: Utilizes existing freight and commuter rail networks
- Funding: Entirely privately financed—no new federal spending required
If successful, the Transcontinental Chief could usher in a golden age of high-speed rail in the United States, offering travelers a new alternative to cross-country flights and long-haul trucking.
