Look inside the planned Brightline West trains, featuring an upscale lounge car

1 month ago 19

Construction is well underway on Brightline West's high-speed rail line that's expected to link Las Vegas with Southern California by 2028. Now, the private intercity rail operator is offering a glimpse inside the cars of its future trainsets.

The sneak peek of sorts includes an upscale lounge car that passengers will surely be eager to visit on treks to and from Sin City.

In recent weeks, Brightline firmed up a deal with manufacturer Siemens Mobility, which is set to build 220 trainsets for the rail operator's western network at a brand-new facility in New York.

As part of the deal, the two companies unveiled renderings of the interior of the Brightline West American Pioneer 220 trains; they will be at the heart of the company's plans to offer America's first truly high-speed rail service.

The images offer plenty of similarities to the Brightline trains currently operating in Florida, from leather ergonomic seats with winged headrests to carpeted floors and overhead bins.

Brightline West trains will offer a slightly warmer color palette than those in Florida. The interior befits the desert terrain in which the trains will operate. As they run down the middle of Interstate 15 through Nevada and California, they'll reach speeds topping 200 mph.

The trains' premium cabin, offered to higher-paying travelers, features white seats with pastel peach headrests.

Seats in the standard "Smart" cars feature white leather seats with green headrests.

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It seems a sure bet that Brightline West trains will also have many of the same onboard amenities as their Sunshine State counterparts. This includes Wi-Fi and power outlets as well as the "soft product" service — though we'll eagerly await that news as the system's opening draws nearer. The Florida trains feature snack service, multiple power and USB outlets, and leather seats. There are large motion-activated bathrooms, wide aisles and seats that recline.

The soft pinks and greens are a sharp departure from the bright yellow of the Brightline Florida trains.

The most memorable renderings Brightline has shared for its western line offer a glimpse inside the planned lounge car. The car will offer travelers a place to relax and grab refreshments during the more than two hour ride between Las Vegas and suburban Los Angeles.

The car features tan, pastel and green touches in addition to a large walk-up bar accented by desert imagery.

This car also appears to have lounge seating options, such as a wraparound booth to softer chairs situated next to small tables.

One of the renderings includes glasses of wine and a bottle of Champagne on ice — an ode to the Las Vegas-bound travelers who will likely be a cornerstone of the Brightline West clientele. They can sip beverages while watching the desert landscape whizz by through the windows.

Brightline and Siemens note the trainsets will exceed accessibility requirements under the Americans with Disabilities Act. They will allow passengers who use wheelchairs to seamlessly move from one car to another.

On the exterior, the trains will sport an aerodynamic shape meant to boost their efficiency as they reach the highest speeds of any train in the U.S.

Last month, lawmakers — including U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat from New York — gathered around a 30-foot scaled model of the future trainset. Siemens plans to start building it in 2026 at its future 300,000-square-foot facility in Horseheads, New York.

Brightline West officials hope to begin revenue service on the new rail line by the time the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics kick off. The $12 billion project received a sizable taxpayer-funded lift via the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. At the western end, plans call for stops in Victor Valley and Rancho Cucamonga, California, where passengers will be able to connect to regional mass transit.

Planned Brightline West Las Vegas station. BRIGHTLINE

While the system isn't expected to provide passengers direct service to Los Angeles Union Station, proposals from local leaders in Southern California have called for a future link to the city, and to California's so-called "bullet train" that's also under construction.

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Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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