First Brightline train to begin testing next week

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Photo: Siemens.
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Brightline is to begin testing the first of its new intercity trainsets next week.

Built by Siemens, the first completed train, which consists of two locomotives and four passenger cars, will undergo testing on a 16 km test track at the operator’s depot in West Palm Beach.

The site includes four tracks, including one with a 150-metre long maintenance pit.

Four more trains are being manufactured by Siemens in Sacramento. These are all due to be delivered this spring and will go into passenger service in the summer.

The trainsets are 100 per cent Buy America compliant, says Brightline, and include components from suppliers in 20 different states.

Brightline said the trains also exceed accessibility standards. Each car has automated retractable gap fillers integrated into the train doors.

“We are excited to welcome our first Brightline train set to Florida and provide a preview of the entire train,” said Mike Reininger, president of Brightline on the company’s website.

“Our trains are among the most innovative in the United States and the world, with every detail having been designed and built from the guest’s perspective, making it easy, convenient and comfortable to ride.

“We are looking forward to the launch [of] our new express, inter-city service this summer. South Florida is very close to experiencing the future of train travel, a new travel alternative as an option to private cars on crowded roads.”

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