Trains for the nation’s first true high-speed rail line between Las Vegas and the Los Angeles area will be manufactured at a new factory in upstate New York, as announced by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer on Monday.
Construction is currently underway for the $12 billion passenger bullet train service , set to be completed in time for the Summer Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028. Brightline West is responsible for constructing over 218 miles (351 kilometers) of new track along the Interstate 15 corridor, connecting Las Vegas and Rancho Cucamonga, California. This railway will then link to a commuter rail connection, allowing seamless transportation to downtown Los Angeles.
The trains on this high-speed line would surpass the speed of other trains in the U.S., including Amtrak’s Acela between Boston and Washington, D.C., which can reach speeds of up to 150 mph (241 kph).
Siemens Mobility has agreed to let the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers represent the workers at the New York factory, which is set to start manufacturing the new trains in 2026.
“In a statement, Marc Buncher, CEO of Siemens Mobility North America, expressed his excitement over the realization of bringing high-speed rail to America. He emphasized that what was once a dream is now a reality.”
President Joe Biden’s administration has shown support for Brightline by providing a generous $3 billion grant from federal infrastructure funds. Additionally, the company has received approval to sell an additional $2.5 billion in tax-exempt bonds to finance the construction of the new rail line.
It is worth noting that Brightline had previously obtained federal authorization in 2020 to sell $1 billion in similar bonds. The backing from the Biden administration highlights the government’s commitment to advancing transportation infrastructure projects.