Siemens Mobility has announced that it is been selected as the ‘preferred bidder’ to take on the responsibility of building and maintaining the train sets for Brightline West’s high-speed rail project.
The project will connect Las Vegas with Southern California, and the contract will cover the delivery of ten ‘America Pioneer 220’ (AP220) sets. These trains sets will be delivered to Nevada, and then tested with the aim of entering service with Brightline West in 2028.
The procurement process for the 30-year contract covered a number of years, with global competitors entering for the opportunity. Siemens Mobility’s selection is based on a number of factors, including:
- Price
- Manufacturing schedule
- Train performance
- ADA compliance
- Passenger amenities
- Total passenger capacity
Future interoperability with the California High-Speed Rail project was also considered throughout the process.
CEO of Siemens Mobility North America, Marc Buncher, said:
“We are excited to work with Brightline transform rail in America, The high-speed chapter of America’s rail story will build on Siemens’ 40 years of designing, building, testing, delivering and maintaining trains in the United States.
“On behalf of our 4,500 rail employees across the United States, we are excited to be selected to build and maintain America’s first true high-speed trains, which will feature some of the world’s most innovative high-speed rail technology. When they enter service, it will be one of the most pivotal moments in the history of American rail.”
The AP220 train sets that will be introduced through this selection ‘represent a new generation’ of high-speed rail transport technology, as they bring the latest in passenger experience, digital technology, and propulsion tech. Siemens’ Velaro platform – which is currently in operation in Europe – provides the basis for the AP220, as it evolves.
Michael Reininger, CEO of Brightline, also commented:
“Just as we redefined train travel with our trainsets for Brightline Florida, we are excited to pioneer this new frontier of manufacturing and development for Brightline West.
“The momentum we are building, will culminate in new jobs and a new supply chain that will establish the foundation for a high-speed rail industry from coast to coast.”
Image credit: Siemens Mobility
