Even though California’s High-Speed Rail still needs billions of dollars to complete the Central Valley segment, the project has started the process to purchase trains.
The California High-Speed Rail Authority’s Board of Directors put out a request for proposals to kick off the selection process.
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Driving the news: Siemens Mobility and Alstom Transportation made the shortlist of possible train suppliers.
- Siemens Mobility is based out of Germany and has been building trains in California since the 1980s.
- Alstom Transportation is based in France and has a facility in Vallejo.
The big picture: Whoever gets the contract between Siemens Mobility and Alstom Transportation will need to build six electric trainsets capable of reaching speeds of 220 mph.
- Two prototype trainsets will be needed for testing and trial running.
- There will be four trainsets deployed in the initial Merced to Bakersfield segment.
- The High-Speed Rail Authority needs the prototypes to be delivered by 2028.
Go deepers: The contract also stipulates a 30-year commitment to maintain the trains, and the train designs will involve feedback from stakeholders, including members of the public.
- The eventual purchase of the trainsets was made possible by a $3 billion federal grant, with the stipulation that the trains be built in America, and officials aim to award the contract by the end of the year.
