X Train set to have hub in North Las Vegas

By JAMES DEHAVEN VIEW STAFF WRITER

12 years ago

This artist’s rendering shows an entertainment car that would be a part of Las Vegas Railway Express’ planned X Train, which would run between a new terminal in North Las Vegas and Fullerton, Calif. The one-way fare would be $99.

This artist’s rendering shows an X Train bar area and lounge that would carry sports telecasts. Original plans to run the X Train to a downtown Las Vegas station changed on June 25 with the company’s announcement that they would build a terminal in North Las Vegas.

Las Vegas Railway Express, backer of a long-awaited adults-only party train between Southern California and Las Vegas, announced plans June 25 to build a train station in North Las Vegas.

The so-called X Train, set to feature cocktails, live entertainment and two party-equipped ultra lounges, would run from Fullerton to North Las Vegas, about 10 miles from the heart of the Strip.

The company hopes to carry around 1,200 passengers on the train’s maiden, five-hour-long voyage, with all-inclusive travel packages and private on-board bachelor and bachelorette parties set to pad sales of a typical $99 one-way ticket.

Las Vegas Railway Express Director of Real Estate Diane David Barron called plans to build a hub in North Las Vegas “a major milestone” for the passenger rail project.

“After reviewing many properties for our station in Southern Nevada, we have selected one in the city of North Las Vegas that suits our needs perfectly,” Barron said. “We are currently in final negotiations with the public agency and the property owner.”

Barron hopes to have an agreement with the city finalized and approved by the end of July but declined to disclose project details until the two parties make a formal announcement later this summer.

Negotiations announced June 25 come after several years of speculation on a final Las Vegas-based platform for the party train, which looked destined for a downtown drop-off at the Plaza as recently as last month.

Better late than never, said outgoing Mayor Shari Buck.

“News that the X Train has chosen North Las Vegas as the destination for its party train from L.A. to Southern Nevada is thrilling,” Buck said. “This fast track for tourists is sure to help propel us back to prosperity, creating new jobs, boosting commerce and giving visitors a chance to see just how great our city is.”

City leaders haven’t said when they plan to weigh final approval of the project. Company officials hope to begin running Thursday and Friday departure trains, with return trips on Sundays, in time for New Year’s Eve.

Contact Centennial and North Las Vegas View reporter James DeHaven at jdehaven@viewnews.com or 702-477-3839.