Summary
The cost of building a high-speed rail line between Las Vegas and Southern California has increased from $16 billion to $21.5 billion. The company behind the project, Brightline West, is asking the U.S. government for a $6 billion loan to help cover these increased costs.
Key Facts
- The Las Vegas to Southern California high-speed rail project now costs $21.5 billion.
- Initially, the cost was estimated at $16 billion.
- Brightline West, the company building the rail, has asked for a $6 billion loan from the U.S. government.
- Rising costs are due to increased prices for materials and labor.
- The U.S. does not currently have any operational high-speed rail lines like some other countries do.
- Brightline West previously built a rail line in Florida but it is not categorized as high-speed.
- The Department of Transportation has not yet decided whether to approve the loan request.
