High-Speed Trains: NYC to Build Factory for Las Vegas-California Route

NYC Chosen for High-Speed Train Factory

New York will be home to a new factory that will develop high-speed trains for a new route connecting Las Vegas and California.

Senator Chuck Schumer, from New York, announced that Siemens Mobility will be building the new factory in upstate New York. This facility in the village of Horseheads will create 300,000 square feet of manufacturing space and focus on building the American Pioneer 220 trains.

Schumer highlighted the historical significance of New York in the rail industry, stating that "Upstate New York is unmatched in rail car manufacturing capabilities, with a deep, proud history pioneering the rail industry and a community that is excited to get to work building America's future."

The Brightline West Project

This factory is part of the larger $12 billion Brightline West project, which aims to build a passenger bullet train line connecting Las Vegas to Rancho Cucamonga, California. From there, passengers can connect to a commuter rail line to reach downtown Los Angeles. Construction is already underway, with completion expected ahead of the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

The trains are projected to reach speeds over 186 mph, drastically reducing travel time from four hours by car to just over two hours. This would surpass the speeds of other U.S. high-speed lines, such as Amtrak's Acela, which currently reaches up to 150 mph.

Union Representation and Jobs

The New York factory is scheduled to begin manufacturing the trains in 2026. Siemens Mobility has ensured that workers at the facility will be represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers.

Marc Buncher, CEO of Siemens Mobility North America, stated, "Bringing high-speed rail to America is no longer a dream, but a reality."

Federal Support for High-Speed Rail

Brightline received a $3 billion grant from federal infrastructure funds, alongside approval to sell $2.5 billion in tax-exempt bonds for the rail line's construction. This shows strong support from the Biden administration for high-speed rail projects.