New renderings offer a look inside Brightline West's high-speed trains

Earlier this week, Brightline West and Siemens Mobility announced plans to establish a new facility to build its high-speed train sets in Horseheads, New York. Concurrently, the companies offered a closer look at the Siemens American Pioneer 220s that will ferry passengers between Southern California and Las Vegas.

The AP 220s, which were unveiled with a 30-foot-long model, are being designed to run at operational speeds of up to 220 miles per hour - though Brightline's maximum speeds are expected to range from 180 to 200 miles per hour. A Brightline West news release describes the vehicles as having a "propulsion system, lighter weight, and aerodynamic shape," that is more efficient than other high-speed trains. Further, they are to feature an ultrawide design which exceeds ADA requirements, allowing passengers in wheelchairs to move from car to car.

When assembled in a seven-car set, each train is expected to carry approximately 450 passengers.

Construction of the AP 220s is set to commence at the New York facility in 2026 - roughly two years before the earliest date at which Brightline West could be open for service.

The Brightline West system, which broke ground earlier this year, will run approximately 218 miles within leased right-of-way parallel to Interstate 15. The overall two hour and ten minute trip would run from a station just south of the Vegas Strip to Rancho Cucamonga in San Bernardino County, with an intermediate stop in Apple Valley. From there, passengers would be able to transfer onto Metrolink regional rail trains at that location, providing access to Los Angeles Union Station.

The total cost of Brightline West is estimated at $12 billion.

Follow us on social media: 

Twitter / Facebook / LinkedIn / Threads / Instagram

• Brightline (Urbanize LA)