Los Angeles, CA – The California High-Speed Rail Authority (CAHSR) is forging ahead with its ambitious plan to bring high-speed rail to the Golden State. This week, the authority’s board approved the release of a “Request for Proposals” (RFP), inviting two pre-selected manufacturers to submit their plans for building and supplying the trains that will whisk passengers across California at unprecedented speeds.
Siemens and Alstom Vie for Contract
The authority has shortlisted two global rail giants for this coveted contract: Siemens Mobility and Alstom Transportation. Both companies boast a strong track record in California’s transit systems and have a keen eye on the state’s burgeoning high-speed rail network.
Siemens: A Hometown Contender
Siemens Mobility, based in Germany, has deep roots in Northern California. Since the 1980s, the company has been manufacturing trains in Sacramento, employing over 2,500 people at its impressive 710,000-square-foot facility. Siemens has built trains for Amtrak and Brightline, a pioneer in private high-speed rail, setting its sights on connecting Southern California to Las Vegas.
Alstom: A Global Innovator
Alstom Transportation, headquartered in France, operates a facility on Mare Island in Vallejo, California. The company is currently constructing the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) automated people mover, demonstrating its expertise in cutting-edge transportation solutions. Alstom’s Avelia Liberty trains, chosen by Amtrak for its Acela system, are renowned for their sleek design and high-speed capabilities, boasting speeds exceeding 200 mph.
Train Specifications: Reaching for Excellence
The CAHSR is seeking six electric trainsets capable of operating at speeds up to 220 mph, with two prototypes destined for extensive testing before deployment. Four of these trains will operate along the initial 171-mile segment from Merced to Bakersfield, connecting Central and Southern California. The prototypes must be delivered by 2028, with the remaining quartet arriving before the segment is scheduled to open. All trains must undergo rigorous testing to demonstrate their ability to reach speeds of up to 242 mph.
A Collaborative Design Process
The contract also includes a 30-year commitment to maintain the trains, ensuring their continued reliability and efficiency. The design process will be a collaborative effort, incorporating feedback from a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including members of the public. This approach aims to deliver trains that meet the specific needs of California’s unique landscape and travel demands.
A Catalyst for Economic Growth
“This is an urgent march to put federal dollars to work, creating new industries and economic opportunity around high-speed rail,” said Tom Richards, a CAHSR board member. The contract is expected to create significant jobs and boost the local economy, solidifying California’s position as a leader in sustainable transportation.
Timeline and Expectations
Final proposals for the train contract are due this fall, and the authority plans to award the project to the winning company by year’s end. The eventual purchase of these trainsets is made possible by a generous billion federal grant, stipulating that the trains must be manufactured within the United States.
Progress in the Pipeline
As of November 2023, the CAHSR has completed 45 structures, initiated work on 33 more, and laid down 56 miles of guideway. The agency is poised to expand its construction efforts from the current 119 active construction miles to the complete 171 miles of double-track electrified rail that will comprise the initial operating segment.
Environmental Approvals on Track
The CAHSR has made significant progress in securing environmental approvals for its train lines. Almost all of the major reviews have been completed, with the Palmdale-Burbank segment expected to receive clearance this year. The Anaheim segment is slated for clearance around 2025.
A New Era of Transportation
“By the end of this year, we will know who will build California’s first high-speed trains, setting the course for better, more accessible rail travel in California,” said Richards. The introduction of these sleek, high-performance trains marks a new chapter in California’s transportation history, paving the way for faster, more eco-friendly, and more convenient travel experiences across the Golden State.
Data sourced from: ktla.com
