Brightline unveils first completed trainset

All Aboard Florida’s passenger-rail venture Brightline yesterday showcased its first Siemens-built trainset.

Dubbed “BrightBlue,” the unit is composed of two locomotives and four coaches and is housed at Brightline’s 12-acre railroad operations facility in West Palm Beach, Fla.

The train is fully accessible and exceeds Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance standards. The unit features level boarding and uses automated retractable platforms that are integrated into the train car door systems, Brightline officials said in a press release.

The unit’s aisles are 32 inches, which provides space for wheelchairs and strollers. On each trainset, there’s one “Select” and three “Smart” coaches. With both options, riders can reserve specific seats when booking tickets through Brightline’s mobile app, website or station kiosks.

"We are excited to welcome our first Brightline trainset to Florida and provide a preview of the entire train," said Mike Reininger, president of Brightline. "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.”

Brightline anticipates launching express intercity service this summer. Siemens completed the first trainset in December 2016.

Brightline service will connect Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach.