Ever wondered why America’s high-speed trains don’t match those in Europe or Asia? The answer starts with who builds them—and not all manufacturers are created equal. Choosing the best supplier isn’t just about shiny trains; it’s about safety, reliability, and the future of travel. The right manufacturer means smoother rides, fewer breakdowns, and more innovation on our tracks. Curious which U.S. factories are leading the way? Read on to discover the top players reshaping rail travel!

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Alstom in the U.S.

Product Details:
Alstom offers a broad portfolio of rail mobility products and services, including rolling stock (such as light rail, people movers, metros, commuter, regional, high-speed trains, locomotives), state-of-the-art signalling systems, rail components (bogies, traction units, dampers, train control & information systems, interiors, brakes, switchgear), and digital/green mobility solutions focused on efficiency and sustainability.

Technical Parameters:
– Emphasis on energy-efficient, environmentally friendly (green traction) and
– Wide range of smart and safe signalling solutions tailored for urban and
– Comprehensive components portfolio supporting original equipment manufacturers,
– Cybersecurity solutions integrated for safe and secure mobility

Application Scenarios:
– Urban and regional passenger rail transport (metros, commuter trains, light
– High-speed intercity rail travel
– Airport and city transit (people movers, monorails)
– Mainline and freight rail operations requiring advanced signalling and safety

Pros:
– Broadest product and component portfolio in the rail industry
– Strong focus on sustainability and eco-friendly solutions
– Advanced digitalization and cybersecurity for safe and smart mobility
– Customizable and scalable solutions for various operational environments

Cons:
– Limited explicit mention of drawbacks or disadvantages on the page
– Potentially higher complexity due to broad product range and digital components

North American Footprint – CRRC

Product Details:
CRRC MA designs and manufactures high-speed trains, mass transit vehicles, passenger coaches, and related rail solutions for the United States, focusing primarily on passenger rail cars.

Technical Parameters:
– Contracts to supply 700+ railcars to public transit agencies across the United
– Manufacturing facilities include a $100 million investment in Springfield, MA

Application Scenarios:
– Urban mass transit systems (e.g., MBTA, Los Angeles Metro, SEPTA)
– High-speed rail projects in the United States
– Passenger commuter rail

Pros:
– Strong investment in U.S.-based manufacturing and job creation
– Robust supply chain and partnerships across the U.S.
– Focus on R&D, cutting edge technology, and innovative manufacturing processes

Cons:
– No direct disadvantages described on the page
– Limited to public transit and passenger rail car applications (as per

Siemens Mobility to establish America’s first high-speed rail …

Product Details:
Siemens Mobility is establishing America’s first high-speed rail production facility in Horseheads, New York, focused on the manufacture of high-speed trains for the North American market.

Application Scenarios:
– Production of high-speed trains for use in North America
– Support for nationwide high-speed rail infrastructure projects
– Potential supply for public transportation agencies and intercity rail networks

Pros:
– First dedicated high-speed rail production facility in the United States
– Supports domestic manufacturing and job creation
– Enables supply of modern high-speed trains tailored to the U.S. market

High-speed locomotives for North America – Siemens Mobility Global

Product Details:
Siemens Mobility US offers high-speed passenger locomotives for North America, specifically the ACS-64 electric (based on the European Eurosprinter) and the Charger Diesel-electric locomotive. Both are manufactured in Sacramento, California to Buy-America standards and are used in major intercity, regional, and long-distance rail services.

Technical Parameters:
– Top speed of 125 mph for both ACS-64 and Charger locomotives
– Charger locomotive meets EPA Tier 4 emissions standards (95% particulate matter
– ACS-64: First high-speed electric locomotive transferred from Europe to the US;
– Charger: Over 400 units ordered since 2014; can operate on biodiesel;

Application Scenarios:
– Intercity passenger rail services (e.g., Amtrak Northeast Corridor)
– Regional and commuter rail systems (e.g., SEPTA, Virgin Trains USA/Brightline)
– Long-distance passenger travel across North America

Pros:
– High reliability and performance with proven on-time delivery
– Meets or exceeds strict emissions (Tier 4) and regulatory standards
– Customizable design to incorporate customer-specific requirements
– Operational features for improved energy efficiency and lower life cycle cost

Home – US Rail Systems

Product Details:
US Rail Systems provides technical oversight, consulting, and delivery support for complex electrified and high-speed rail systems, specializing in systems such as high-speed rail, overhead contact systems (OCS), traction power, SCADA and communications, signaling, systems integration, third rail, operations and maintenance strategies, and electric vehicle transition programs.

Technical Parameters:
– Experience with 25kV Overhead Contact Systems (OCS)
– Expertise in both AC and DC traction power including third rail systems
– Implementation of SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems with
– Testing, commissioning, and dynamic testing of new traction electrification

Application Scenarios:
– High-speed rail system projects in North America and internationally
– Electrification of regional commuter and transit railroads
– Modernization and operational consulting for yards, stations, and maintenance
– Sustainability-focused electric vehicle and transit agency conversion projects

Pros:
– Proven track record with major industry leaders and rail transit agencies
– Agile and adaptable team providing tailored solutions and strong project
– Expertise from global projects leads to innovative, best-practice decision
– Deep experience across multiple specialized technical areas in electrified rail

Cons:
– Company describes itself as small and bespoke, which may imply limited capacity
– Emphasis on specialized, complex solutions may not suit basic rail needs or

Talgo America – Home

Product Details:
Talgo America offers high-speed and very high-speed passenger train sets, including Series VI (Amtrak Cascades), Series VII, and Series 8 passenger cars, as well as maintenance equipment and full maintenance services. Talgo trains are designed to provide unique and comfortable travel experiences and are manufactured to serve the North American market. The company is also involved in innovative technologies like hydrogen propulsion systems.

Technical Parameters:
– High-speed and very high-speed train sets (e.g., Talgo Avril reached 363 km/h
– New generation Series 8 passenger cars for North America
– Hydrogen propulsion system trains to be ready in 2023
– Comprehensive maintenance equipment including lathes

Application Scenarios:
– Intercity passenger rail service (e.g., Amtrak Cascades in the Pacific
– Development and implementation of new high-speed rail lines in North America
– Upgrading existing train fleets with new technologies (e.g., hydrogen
– Full-service train maintenance and preventative maintenance programs

Pros:
– Emphasis on safety, innovation, and ride quality
– Proven track record with decades of service in the U.S. (since 1994)
– Advanced technological features such as hydrogen propulsion and high-speed
– Comprehensive maintenance services and equipment provided

Cons:
– Specific technical parameters and customization options are not detailed in the
– Cost, adoption, and regulatory challenges for high-speed rail infrastructure in

US High Speed Rail Association

Product Details:
US High Speed Rail Association (USHSR) advocates for the development and expansion of high-speed rail (HSR) systems across the United States, promoting integrated, modern, electrically powered train networks, advanced train stations, and supporting infrastructure.

Technical Parameters:
– Proposed national HSR vision map: 17,000 miles of high-speed rail lines
– Electrically powered train systems (oil-free transportation)
– Modern high-speed trainsets, designed for comfort and speed
– Integration with multimodal transportation (e.g., bicycles for first/last mile)

Application Scenarios:
– Intercity travel between major metropolitan regions
– Regional connectivity for smaller cities and towns
– Commuting between suburbs and central business districts
– Linking airports to city centers

Pros:
– Delivers fast, reliable, and time-saving mobility with direct access to key
– Creates millions of jobs in construction, operations, and manufacturing
– Provides climate benefits by being electrically powered and reducing
– Supports affordable housing and equitable access by connecting diverse

Cons:
– Requires significant upfront investment and infrastructure development
– Potential disruption during construction phases
– Implementation complexity due to the scale of a national network

Siemens to build US high-speed rail factory in New York

Product Details:
Siemens is constructing a $220m advanced rail manufacturing facility in Lexington, North Carolina, focused on producing high-speed trains specifically for the U.S. market.

Technical Parameters:
– Facility will produce next-generation high-speed trains for the U.S.
– Plant will be Siemens’ first U.S. high-speed train manufacturing operation
– Facility designed with advanced digitalization and automation features

Application Scenarios:
– Manufacture of high-speed passenger trains for U.S. rail projects
– Supporting expansion and modernization of U.S. rail transportation

Pros:
– Significant investment in U.S. manufacturing and job creation (up to 500 new
– Supports domestic production, potentially reducing dependency on overseas
– Facility utilizes advanced manufacturing technologies

Cons:
– Large upfront capital investment required to establish new facility
– Manufacturing commencement and delivery depend on order volume and project

Siemens Is Boosting U.S. Passenger Train Production With A … – Forbes

Product Details:
Siemens manufactures passenger trains, including coaches and trainsets for North American rail operators. The company is expanding its US rail production by building a new $220 million passenger train manufacturing plant in North Carolina.

Technical Parameters:
– Trains produced include Venture coaches for Amtrak and other transit agencies
– Manufacturing plant spans 200 acres and includes more than 500,000 square feet
– Designed to produce up to 400 train cars per year at full production capacity
– Production facility aims for LEED certification and includes solar panels

Application Scenarios:
– Passenger rail service for intercity and commuter lines
– Replacement and expansion of current train fleets for rail operators like
– Urban and regional transit projects seeking modern and efficient train equipment

Pros:
– Boosts US-based production of passenger trains, supporting domestic supply
– Creation of up to 500 new, highly skilled manufacturing jobs
– Facility designed for sustainability and energy efficiency

Cons:
– Initial construction and ramp-up of production may take several years before
– High upfront investment required for the new manufacturing facility

PDF

Product Details:
Siemens offers a comprehensive portfolio of rolling stock for the U.S. rail market, including locomotives, passenger coaches, light rail vehicles, and electric multiple units (EMUs) designed for regional, intercity, commuter, and urban rail applications.

Technical Parameters:
– Charger Locomotive: EPA Tier 4-compliant diesel-electric, up to 4,400 hp,
– Venture Passenger Coach: Modular configuration, crash energy management (CEM),
– Light Rail Vehicle (S700): 70% low-floor, modular length options, stainless
– Electric Multiple Unit (EMU): Dual-powered (electric/diesel), up to 125 mph,

Application Scenarios:
– Regional and intercity passenger rail services.
– Commuter rail operations in urban areas.
– Light rail public transportation networks.
– Amtrak and state-supported routes.

Pros:
– Meets or exceeds stringent U.S. safety and emissions standards (EPA Tier 4,
– Flexible, modular design allows adaptation to various rail service requirements.
– Incorporates advanced crash energy management and accessibility features.
– Supports sustainability goals with efficient, reduced-emission propulsion

Cons:
– Initial investment costs are likely higher due to advanced technology and
– Deployment may require infrastructure upgrades and operator training.

Comparison Table

Company	Product Details	Pros	Cons	Website
Alstom in the U.S.	Alstom offers a broad portfolio of rail mobility products and services,	Broadest product and component portfolio in the rail industry Strong focus on	Limited explicit mention of drawbacks or disadvantages on the page Potentially	www.alstom.com
North American Footprint – CRRC	CRRC MA designs and manufactures high-speed trains, mass transit vehicles,	Strong investment in U.S.-based manufacturing and job creation Robust supply	No direct disadvantages described on the page Limited to public transit and	www.crrcma.com
Siemens Mobility to establish America’s first high-speed rail …	Siemens Mobility is establishing America’s first high-speed rail production	First dedicated high-speed rail production facility in the United		press.siemens.com
High-speed locomotives for North America – Siemens Mobility Global	Siemens Mobility US offers high-speed passenger locomotives for North America,	High reliability and performance with proven on-time delivery Meets or exceeds		www.mobility.siemens.com
Home – US Rail Systems	US Rail Systems provides technical oversight, consulting, and delivery support	Proven track record with major industry leaders and rail transit agencies Agile	Company describes itself as small and bespoke, which may imply limited capacity	usrailsystems.com
Talgo America – Home	Talgo America offers high-speed and very high-speed passenger train sets,	Emphasis on safety, innovation, and ride quality Proven track record with	Specific technical parameters and customization options are not detailed in the	web.talgoamerica.com
US High Speed Rail Association	US High Speed Rail Association (USHSR) advocates for the development and	Delivers fast, reliable, and time-saving mobility with direct access to key	Requires significant upfront investment and infrastructure development Potential	www.ushsr.com
Siemens to build US high-speed rail factory in New York	Siemens is constructing a $220m advanced rail manufacturing facility in	Significant investment in U.S. manufacturing and job creation (up to 500 new	Large upfront capital investment required to establish new facility Manufacturin	www.railway-technology.com
Siemens Is Boosting U.S. Passenger Train Production With A … – Forbes	Siemens manufactures passenger trains, including coaches and trainsets for	Boosts US-based production of passenger trains, supporting domestic supply	Initial construction and ramp-up of production may take several years before	www.forbes.com
PDF	Siemens offers a comprehensive portfolio of rolling stock for the U.S. rail	Meets or exceeds stringent U.S. safety and emissions standards (EPA Tier 4,	Initial investment costs are likely higher due to advanced technology and	assets.new.siemens.com

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can I identify reputable high speed train manufacturers in the USA?
Start by researching established industry leaders, checking trade associations or directories, and reviewing case studies of successful projects in the US. Look for companies with proven experience, solid safety records, and positive client testimonials.

What criteria should I use to compare high speed train manufacturers?
Consider product quality, technology innovation, customization options, production capacity, compliance with US standards, after-sales support, and pricing. Visiting manufacturing sites and requesting references can also help evaluate their reliability.

Are US-based factories capable of meeting unique design requirements?
Many US high speed train manufacturers offer customized design solutions to meet specific project needs. Communicate your specifications clearly up front; most reputable firms will work with you to adapt their technology and designs.

How do I verify a manufacturer’s certifications and compliance with regulations?
Ask manufacturers for copies of their certifications, such as FRA (Federal Railroad Administration) approval, ISO standards, and other industry credentials. Reliable companies are transparent about compliance and can provide necessary documentation.

Can manufacturers assist with installation, maintenance, and staff training?
Many high speed train manufacturers in the US offer comprehensive packages, including installation, maintenance services, and training for operators and maintenance personnel. Be sure to discuss these services during negotiations to ensure full project support.