California High-Speed Rail Authority moves closer to buying first trainsets

The California High-Speed Rail Authority this week approved the release of a request for qualifications (RFQ) for what would be the nation's first 220 mph electrified high-speed trainsets.

The approval is the first part of a two-step procurement process. The authority anticipates getting statements of qualifications (SOQs) from prospective trainset manufacturers in November, according to a CHSRA press release.

The authority will then evaluate the SOQs and create a shortlist of qualified teams capable of delivering high-speed trainsets​ and release a request for proposals in first-quarter 2024 to qualified teams.

The trainset procurement process will enable the authority to:
• procure six trainsets capable of operating at 220 mph and tested up to 242 mph;
• receive two prototypes in 2028 to support static/dynamic testing and trial running; and
• receive an additional four trainsets by the end of 2030 to support revenue operations on the 171-mile Merced to Bakersfield section.

The authority has begun work to extend the 119 miles under construction to 171 miles of future electrified high-speed rail from Merced to Bakersfield. There are more than 30 active construction sites in California’s Central Valley, with the authority having environmentally cleared 422 miles of the high-speed rail program from the Bay Area to the Los Angeles Basin, the release said.

For more information on construction, visit: www.buildhsr.com.