Brightline has selected Siemens Mobility to supply train sets for its upcoming high-speed rail project, Brightline West, which aims to link Las Vegas with Southern California. The deal involves the production of ten "American Pioneer 220" (AP 220) train sets. These units will be assembled, delivered, and tested in Nevada, targeting the project's launch in 2028.
The selection of Siemens as the preferred bidder concludes a multi-year competitive procurement process involving several international firms. The decision was based on a range of criteria such as cost, production timeline, train performance including speed and travel time, ADA compliance, passenger comfort, and capacity. It also took into account the potential for future integration with the California High-Speed Rail system. The manufacturing will comply with the "Buy America" standards.
The agreement also encompasses a 30-year maintenance contract for the trains, which will be serviced at Brightline West’s Vehicle Maintenance Facility in Sloan, NV. This facility will handle daily maintenance routines as well as extensive overhauls and repairs, providing sustained high-wage employment opportunities.
Siemens plans to introduce these trainsets as part of a new generation of high-speed technology tailored for the U.S. market. The AP220 is an evolution of Siemens' Velaro platform, which is already operational in Europe. Moreover, Siemens will establish a facility for producing the AP220, America's initial high-speed rail production center. The exact location of this facility will be announced upon finalization of the contract.
The AP220 train sets, designed for high-speed travel with speeds up to 220 miles per hour (354 km/h), will have light weight and aerodynamic design. These seven-car trains will accommodate between 434-450 passengers, with travel times under two hours for certain routes. The design also prioritizes accessibility, aiming to exceed ADA requirements and facilitate easier movement for wheelchair users between cars.
Construction of the 218-mile Brightline West route began on April 22, 2024. It is designed to operate in the median of the I-15, linking Las Vegas to Southern California with stations planned in cities including Apple Valley, Hesperia, and Rancho Cucamonga. The project, valued at $12 billion, includes $3 billion from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill with the remainder coming from private funds.
Brightline currently operates in Florida, connecting urban centers across Central and South Florida, and plans to expand its service to additional cities. The introduction of the Brightline West service is expected to transform intercity travel between Las Vegas and Southern California (as close to Los Angeles as possible), providing a high-speed rail option designed to offer a quicker alternative to driving.
