U.S. High Speed Rail: Siemens’ investment in high-speed rail plant marks beginning of a new industry
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Sept. 9, 2024 — U.S. High Speed Rail (USHSR) said today that Siemens’ plans to build the nation’s first high-speed rail production facility in upstate New York marks a “milestone” that signals the beginning of an entire new industry to support the build-out of a nationwide bullet train network.
“High-speed rail is now a reality in America with projects underway or being planned across the country,” said Ezra Silk, Political Director of the U.S. High Speed Rail Coalition. “This commitment by Siemens marks a milestone in the creation of a new industry to build and operate state-of-the-art high-speed rail. America’s new electric high-speed rail industry will spark new businesses, technologies, innovations and careers, create millions of good-paying union jobs and reduce dependence on highly polluting fossil fuels.”
“The U.S. high-speed rail industry has the potential to become an economic force as big and powerful as the automotive industry,” Silk added.
Siemens Mobility, Brightline West and U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced the $60 million investment in upstate New York, in partnership with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM). Production is expected to begin in 2026.
Siemens’ train, the American Pioneer 220, will operate Brightline West’s electric high-speed rail trains from Las Vegas to Southern California, scheduled for completion by the Summer Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028. The train will travel 218 miles at a top speed of 220 mph. Travel time is projected at just over two hours, compared to four hours by car.
Momentum has been building for high-speed rail in America. Under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Biden Administration has stepped up investment, identifying corridors nationwide for planning and design funding. The Administration recently invested $6.3 billion to support Brightline West and California High-Speed Rail’s initial project segment in the Central Valley.
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.