SACRAMENTO — The California High-Speed Rail Authority has contracted with longtime U.S. High Speed Rail member Siemens Mobility, Inc. to build the project’s first trainsets — three to be made in Germany and an option for 19 more to be made in America.
The decision marks a key milestone in the transformational project to connect the state with the world’s most advanced high-speed trains, capable of speeds up to 220 miles per hour.
The first three trainsets — each with seven cars that carry a total of 450 passengers — will run on the 171-mile Early Operating Segment between Merced and Bakersfield, which is scheduled for completion by 2033. The laying of track is planned to begin this year; Siemens will deliver the American Pioneer 220 trains by 2030 for testing.
The total value of the contract is not to exceed $772 million, which includes manufacturing, delivery and commissioning; service and 10 years of maintenance; and a provisional sum for cost escalation, foreign exchange, taxes, and other items.
The first three trainsets are being built in Germany because manufacturing capacity to build 220 mph trainsets does not exist today in the U.S. In an amendment to its unanimous vote to purchase the Siemens trainsets, the California High-Speed Rail Authority Board of Directors clarified its expectation that the 19 additional trainsets will be made in America.
Siemens is building a high-speed manufacturing plant in Horseheads, New York to supply eight trainsets to the Brightline West project, although the first two trainsets also will be made in Germany. California High-Speed Rail could also procure additional trainsets from the upstate New York facility.
Learn more about the trainset procurement here: https://hsr.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/2026-10-28-PPT-Trainsets-A11Y.pdf
About USHSR
USHSR is the national voice for high speed rail in America. We are an independent, nonpartisan nonprofit that unites companies, experts, and community leaders to build a modern, electric rail network. Since 2009 we have convened the industry, advanced smart policy, and educated the public with clear facts, maps, and events. Our work connects projects to partners and best practices so corridors move from vision to delivery. The mission is simple and urgent, to build widespread public, business, and political support for major federal investment in America’s rail network and deliver fast, reliable travel that strengthens communities and the economy.