A luxury overnight train ride between San Francisco and LA could soon become a reality. A Newport-based startup called Dreamstar Lines has big dreams for the future of railway travel in California, and it looks like they have made some major progress.
Dreamstar Lines signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Union Pacific to recognize the negations towards allowing Dreamstar to operate on Union Pacific’s railway between Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and San Jose. The MOU basically outlines the broad terms of a coming contract, so while it’s not legally binding like a contract, it signals that both parties are negotiating towards a legally binding deal. So, while nothing is set in stone yet, it’s a major step.
“Our collaboration with [UP] is a significant milestone for Dreamstar Lines and for the future of private rail travel in the United States,” said Dreamstar Lines CEO Joshua Dominic in a press release. “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 plans for the luxury trains include private rooms with beds, a shower, internet access, and food and beverage service. Dreamstar hopes to begin operations as early as the summer of 2025. Dreamstar aims to make travel between the two major cities easier. While a flight between San Francisco and LA is short, Dreamstar hopes to streamline the process of going through security and traveling to “remote airports.” Plus, they want to cut down on the large amounts of fuel flights require. This would be the first night train between the Bay Area and LA since 1983.
While the startup is beginning their venture in California, they hope to expand throughout the United States and even internationally one day. You can learn more about Dreamstar Lines on their website here.