SACRAMENTO — The California High-Speed Rail Authority will consider the purchase three high-speed trainsets from Siemens Mobility at a board meeting this week.
The agenda for a meeting to be held Oct. 28-29 in Anaheim includes consideration of a $771.1 million contract for construction of three trainsets as well as a 10-year parts and maintenance agreement. The board is also being asked to approve up to $63.7 million to address tariffs related to the order.
A presentation for the board indicates the 220-mph “American Pioneer 220” trainsets will be seven cars and include at least 450 seats; two trainsets will be able to run as one 14-car train. They are based on Siemens’ Velaro Novo trainset, the company’s fifth generation of high-speed equipment. While all cars would be delivered with standard two-plus-two coach seating, the cars will have a flexible design that can accommodate conversion to premium seating. Future trainsets may also include food-service cars…