A rail company is proposing a new privately funded train route that can begin transporting people between Los Angeles and New York City in less than 72 hours as soon as next year.
Delaware-based group AmeriStarRail unveiled its coast-to-coast route called the Transcontinental Chief with hopes of it being operational by May 10, 2026, ahead of the United States' 250th birthday and the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The goal date, which lands on National Train Day, is subject to operating agreements with various host railroads, the company clarified.
The project has been presented to the National Railroad Passenger Corp., also known as Amtrak. AmeriStarRail argues that a partnership between the two companies would be mutually beneficial, emphasizing that the route would be more profitable than Amtrak's existing long-distance trains.
AmeriStarRail CEO Scott Spencer said Amtrak is seeking more information on the planning and coordination of the proposed system.
"This is a way to confront the challenges Amtrak faces and create opportunities for them to succeed," Spencer told USA TODAY. "We're hopeful that all the parties that are involved including the host railroads recognize what a great opportunity this is for our nation."
Amtrak did not respond to multiple USA TODAY requests for comment.
Transcontinental Chief to replace existing bicoastal routes
AmeriStarRail said the Transcontinental Chief train would replace the Southwest Chief and the Pennsylvanian Amtrak routes that currently help transport people between Southern California and New York via stops in Chicago or Harrisburg.
New Yorkers will board the train at the Hoboken Terminal in New Jersey, via a connecting PATH Subway ride or ferry service from Manhattan across the Hudson River.
AmeriStarRail clarified that it's unable to directly stop in the Big Apple due to New York Penn Station tunnel restrictions for the passenger cars Amtrak uses, known as Superliners. However, there are no boarding restrictions in Los Angeles.
The route would also include a single-level train section from Harrisburg to serve people in Washington, D.C., via Philadelphia, according to AmeriStarRail.
"In discussion with various interests along the route, whether that be Victorville, California; Newton, Kansas; Lebanon, Pennsylvania, they recognize the economic engine that the Transcontinental Chief will be for their communities," Spencer said.
Spencer added that the Transcontinental Chief would also offer travelers on Route 66 an alternative way back from their nearly 2,500-mile drive.
Bicoastal route to be 'rolling rest stop for truckers'
In addition to transporting passengers, the Transcontinental Chief would also transport truck drivers and their tractor trailers between the West and East coasts within the three-day span, according to AmeriStarRail.
Through a roll-on, roll-off loading system, the route would serve as a "rolling rest stop for truckers" while offering a safe alternative to parking shortages, the company states.
"At RailPorts along the route, truckers will be able to drive their entire tractor trailer trucks onto railroad flatcars and then rest and relax onboard Amtrak Coach, Sleeper and Dining cars as they travel 200 - 500 miles during their federally mandated 10 hour rest period," an AmeriStarRail news release states.
Intending to debut next May, Spencer said the route would start with intermediate ports available in LA and New York City, with plans to incorporate more in the future. The company aims to expand Amtrak Auto Train service to the route to transport cars vans, motorcycles, RVs and charter motorcoaches, eventually also serving the Grand Canyon and Chicago.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Proposed 72-hour coast-to-coast train route eyes 2026 debut
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