A new luxury overnight passenger train could be coming to California.
Last month Dreamstar Lines, located in Newport Beach, signed a memorandum of understanding with Union Pacific Railroad to develop a deluxe overnight passenger train service between San Francisco and Los Angeles.
The big picture: The memorandum of understanding formalizes the negotiations and identifies fundamental terms for Dreamstar to operate its trains onUnion Pacifics Coast Line via Santa Barbara San Luis Obispo and San Jose
- Dreamstar would like to start the service in the summer of 2025
- The luxury train cars would offer a range of classes from economy roomettes to deluxe first-class staterooms
- Passengers could sleep most of the way, and amenities will include showers, high-speed internet, on-board food/beverage services, and last-mile transportation
- The company plans to use remanufactured bi-level cars and might allow customers to bring their vehicles on board
What we’re watching: Dreamstar also aims to offer services in other major travel markets within and outside the U.S.
- Union Pacific has entered into formal negotiations with Dreamstar regarding the proposed passenger service but has not yet committed to a final agreement
- To complete the link between San Francisco and Los Angeles, Dreamstar also needs agreements to use tracks owned by regional transit operators Caltrain and Metrolink
What they’re saying: “We’re in talks with both and working towards acceptable terms for track access,” Dreamstar CEO Joshua Dominic told SFGate. “Both have been wonderful to work with and communicated interest toward getting our trains rolling.”
