California HSR Authority takes first step toward buying trains

California high – speed rail Authority asked rail manufacturers, on October 2nd , to submit interest letters for an initial order of up to 95 sets of engines and cars. The trains must be capable of transporting passengers from San Francisco to Los Angeles in less than three hours.
The request for „expressions of interest” also allows rail manufacturers to describe how they would develop facilities to house and maintain the trains, which would each have a minimum of 450 seats.
“We expect that this will be a very competitive bid with strong interest from around the world. However, we feel confident that with our proven global experience and technology in high-speed rail, we can be a top contender,” said Michael Cahill, president of Siemens Rail Systems in the U.S.