A plan to utilize existing train tracks to offer a luxury overnight ride between two of California’s economic and cultural hubs is looking less and less like a fantasy.
Last month, Dreamstar Lines, a Newport Beach-based transit startup, came into agreement with one of the nation’s most important freight companies, taking the first steps toward making the overnight service between San Francisco and Los Angeles a reality.
Dreamstar signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Union Pacific Railroad, paving the way for the two entities to come up with a final agreement that would allow Dreamstar to operate its trains on the tracks owned by Union Pacific.
Dreamstar trains would be running on the track that make up the Coast Line railroad line between Los Angeles County and the San Francisco Bay area, which travels primarily along the California coast. That line is already in use by Amtrak‘s Pacific Surfliner and Coast Starlight, among others.
A final agreement has not been drafted or agreed to, but if and when that does happen, Dreamstar hopes to be granted overnight rail access that will allow it to offer service between the two regions, giving riders the chance to board in one city, fall asleep, and wake up in another.
“Our collaboration with Union Pacific Railroad is a significant milestone for Dreamstar Lines and for the future of private rail travel in the United States,” said Joshua Dominic, CEO of Dreamstar Lines, Inc. “By launching this service, we are not only offering a luxurious and eco-friendly travel option but also revitalizing the rich heritage of overnight rail travel in America.”
Dreamstar says its traincars will have the “luxury and convenience of modern amenities and technology” with next generation sleeper cars. The sleeping cars would have private rooms and beds that allow riders to lie completely flat. Deluxe accommodations would offer queen beds, “upscale trim,” and en-suite showers. All passengers would have access to high-speed internet and food and beverage service.
The company says it is also exploring the idea of an “add-on auto transport service,” which it says would allow passengers to bring their personal vehicles along for the ride and use them at their final destination. The company did not say how that system would work.
Company officials said they hope this new overnight passenger rail service would give Californians and other travelers a more comfortable, convenient and Earth-friendly alternative to short-haul flights.
Dreamstar says the new service could begin as soon as next summer. Last year, the company said it was “lining up the railcars, financing, staffing” in preparation for an eventual launch.
Officials say there are also plans to expand to other markets, if all goes well in California.
Dominic said he was thankful for Union Pacific’s willingness and cooperation as the two sides work to explore a possible agreement.
If Dreamstar and Union Pacific ultimately come to an understanding, the startup will still have some work to do.
While Union Pacific owns the bulk of the Coast Line, Southern California’s Metrolink and Northern California’s Caltrain all have their own stakes in the rail line.
This new proposed service is not to be confused with the California High-Speed Rail, a project that aims to connect Southern California and the Bay Area utilizing high-speed electric trains that travel through the California Valley. Unlike Dreamstar’s proposed service, much of that project requires construction of brand new infrastructure.
An overnight sleeper train between downtown L.A. and downtown San Francisco has not existed since the former Southern Pacific “Lark” route ended in 1968, according to Trains.com.