Siemens completes first Brightline trainset

Siemens has finished building the first trainset for Florida-based passenger-rail venture Brightline.

The unit left Siemens' manufacturing hub in Sacramento, Calif., and is being transported to Florida by rail.

The 489-foot train is the first of five to be deployed for Brightline's first phase. The remaining four trainsets are expected to be delivered by the end of March 2017, according to a Siemens press release.

Brightline's trains are built as integrated trainsets composed of two diesel-electric locomotives and four stainless steel coaches. The locomotives will meet the highest emissions standards set by the federal government, Siemens officials said.

In mid-2017, Brightline is scheduled to begin express service between Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, Fla.