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    1. Rail
    2. Vehicles

    Brightline, Siemens Mobility showcase newest trainsets for Orlando expansion

    Sept. 29, 2021
    Brightline’s future high-speed passenger coaches begin rolling off the line at Siemens Mobility headquarters.
    Related To: Brightline
    Siemens Mobility
    Train At Workshop B 61547e012818d

    Brightline's newest trainsets from Siemens Mobility are almost ready to roll off the assembly line at the Siemens Mobility North American manufacturing headquarters and prepare to begin passenger operations.

    In the upcoming days, the newest train will depart the factory on a cross-country excursion to West Palm Beach, Fla., where it will be stationed in preparation for Brightline’s high-speed rail corridor expansion, set to connect Orlando to Brightline's current route from Miami to West Palm Beach.

    At the event, executives from Brightline and Siemens Mobility were joined by California Treasurer Fiona Ma to unveil the new passenger coaches and locomotives, part of the Venture trainset that is the driver of next-generation inter-city rail service in the U.S. Manufactured at Siemens Mobility solar-powered plant in Sacramento, the Venture trainsets for Brightline consist of two Charger Diesel-electric locomotives, one on each end, and four passenger coaches. The Charger Diesel-electric locomotives fulfill the EPA’s Tier 4 emissions standards. 

    “As the nation's first and only private, operational high-speed rail line, Brightline's partnership with Siemens demonstrates our company's commitment to building both a robust domestic manufacturing sector and the future of green transportation,” said Michael Reininger, CEO, Brightline Holdings. “Our partnership should serve as a powerful example of how we can break through the inertia and into an era of high-speed rail in America.”

    The stainless-steel coaches are made with components from more than 160 suppliers across 27 states. They are designed for luxury and comfort, featuring special ergonomic seating, contemporary communication systems and enhanced Wi-Fi. Thanks to wide aisles, wheelchair storage and fully accessible restrooms, the Venture trainset exceeds ADA requirements from end to end.

    “Brightline is a pioneer in private rail investment in the United States and we are proud to continue to grow our partnership as we ship the latest trainsets to Florida ahead of Brightline’s expansion. The Venture trainsets are a result of our collaboration and will offer a comfortable and enjoyable passenger experience that was built in Sacramento,” said Michael Cahill, president, Siemens Mobility Rolling Stock in North America.

    Brightline will resume its operations between Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach in November. Stations in Boca Raton and Aventura are expected to open in the second half of 2022, and discussions are underway with local stakeholders regarding expansions to Disney Springs and Tampa.

    Siemens Mobility and Brightline are also in discussions on supplying Brightline’s technology solutions for its future high-speed Brightline West operations. The rail operator says Brightline West is the most advanced and shovel ready high-speed rail project in the nation and is poised to bring economic and environmental benefits to the region. It will utilize fully electric, zero emission trains to connect Las Vegas and Los Angeles through multiple intercity projects.