Brightline West recently announced Siemens Mobility as the preferred supplier for their upcoming high speed route between Los Angles and Las Vegas. On September 4, 2024 Brightline and Siemens Mobility announced that a dedicated high speed rail production facility will open in New York to construct Brightline’s American Pioneer 220 (AP220) trainsets.
The Future In Privatized Train Travel
Brightline has revolutionized private rail operations in the United States. So far the Brightline route between Orlando and Miami has been a huge success. Brightline looks to replicate their success on the West coast. Part of the success will hinge strongly on the manufactured high speed electric trainsets. Siemens mobility is investing in over $60 million towards the manufacturing of the AP220 high speed trainsets. The manufacturing facility in New York is estimated to create 300 local jobs including rolls in for electro-mechanical assemblers, quality management, quality control, industrial production and test engineers among other support positions. “America’s high-speed rail future will be built in Upstate New York. Siemens’ investment in Upstate New York will lay the foundation for the next chapter of our nation’s transportation future, making high-speed rail, what only a few years ago seemed like a dream, but because of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Law is becoming a reality. After months of relentless advocacy, I am proud to announce this massive 300 job first-of-its-kind manufacturing facility for America is coming to Upstate NY,” said Senator Schumer. While the trains are yet to hit the rails Brightline has shared some previews of the upcoming trains including the highly anticipated lounge car. Trains will begin production beginning 2026.
