California board to vote on $772M train deal

The California High-Speed Rail Authority is scheduled to vote Oct. 28 on a contract with Siemens Mobility for three American Pioneer 220 trainsets, plus parts and 10 years of maintenance, at a proposed cost of up to $772.1 million. The trains would be built in Germany and are intended for the initial Bakersfield–Merced operating section; deliveries are expected to begin in late 2029, ahead of planned service in 2033–34. The authority is also seeking up to $63.7 million for import duties and tariffs, bringing the potential total to about $836 million. Siemens was the only one of two shortlisted manufacturers to submit a proposal, and the contract award remains subject to board approval.