XpressWest, Chinese firm agree to launch Vegas-to-L.A. high-speed rail line

China Railway International USA Co. Ltd. and XpressWest announced yesterday they’ve agreed to form a joint venture to develop a high-speed passenger-rail system between Las Vegas and Los Angeles.

The venture will develop, finance, build and operate the Southwest Rail Network, with stations in Las Vegas, Victorville, Calif., and Palmdale, Calif., and service throughout Los Angeles, according to a press release issued by both companies.

Backed by $100 million in initial capital, the new rail line will create new technology, manufacturing and construction jobs throughout the interstate corridor, officials from both firms said. The companies hope to launch construction as early as September 2016.

The officials also described the project as a "model of international cooperation" that will help establish a high-speed rail industry in the United States.

XpressWest is private high-speed passenger rail company led by the Marnell Cos. Since 2007, the firm has been dedicated to developing a high-speed rail line between Las Vegas and Los Angeles.

China Railway International is a newly formed Nevada limited liability company owned by a consortium of high-speed rail developers and operators including China Railway Corp., China Railway Engineering Corp., CSR Corp. Ltd., China Construction America Inc. and China Railway Signal Communications Corp.