High Speed Trains to Be Built in New York

By Railfan & Railroad Staff

The American Pioneer 220, the Siemens Mobility high-speed train set to be used on Brightline West’s route between Las Vegas and Southern California, will be built at a new manufacturing facility in Horseheads,  N.Y. Siemens, Brightline, and government officials made the announcement on September 9. The facility is expected to begin production in 2026, augmenting existing production in Sacramento, Calif., and another facility opening soon in Lexington, N.C.

“America’s high-speed rail future will be built in upstate New York. Siemens’ investment 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,” said U.S. Senate  Majority Leader Chuck Schumer in a press release. The new facility is expected to employ 300 people.

The American Pioneer 220, or AP220s, will be based on Seimens’ Velaro product currently used in Europe. The trainsets will be able to travel at 220 mph and will be compatible with those that will be built for the California High-Speed Rail Authority. Brightline brokeground on its new high-speed route earlier this year and it hopes to begin service between Cucamonga, Calf., and Las Vegas by 2028. The trip is expected to take less than two hours.