Inland Empire Transportation Developments in 2025: Brightline West and ZEMU Train Launch
In 2025, the Inland Empire initiated significant transportation projects, including the construction of the $12 billion Brightline West bullet train from Rancho Cucamonga to Las Vegas, set to complete by 2028, coinciding with the Los Angeles Olympics. The rail line will span 218 miles, connecting to Metrolink, reducing travel time to Las Vegas to about two hours.
Conversely, the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority defunded the extension of the A Line light rail, impacting Montclair's economic development plans. Additionally, Ontario International Airport expanded its flight offerings, adding routes to Taiwan, Mexico, and several U.S. cities, expecting passenger numbers to surpass 7 million in 2025.
The ZEMU, North America's first hydrogen-powered train, began operations on the Arrow route in September, utilizing fuel-cell technology. Infrastructure projects also included the opening of a reconfigured interchange between the 71 and 91 Freeways in June.
