SBCTA’s Hydrogen Train: Zero-Emission Rail Innovation

Introduction

The San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) is set to introduce its first hybrid hydrogen fuel cell-battery electric passenger train on September 13. The train will operate along the 9-mile Arrow Corridor of Metrolink’s San Bernardino Line, connecting San Bernardino and Redlands, California.

Train Deployment

The two-car trainset, a zero emission multiple unit (ZEMU), is North America’s first self-powered, zero emission passenger train that meets Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) requirements, according to SBCTA officials.

Environmental Impact

The propulsion system generates only water vapor as an emission.

Funding and Infrastructure

SBCTA secured $60.2 million in state and local funding for the purchase of the vehicle, testing and initial studies, retrofitting an existing maintenance facility, and constructing a new fueling station.

Manufacturing and Testing

Stadler Rail manufactured the ZEMU, which arrived in San Bernardino for testing in June 2024.

Conclusion

SBCTA will launch its first hybrid hydrogen fuel cell-battery electric passenger train on September 13, running on the Arrow Corridor. The project received $60.2 million in funding and the train was built by Stadler Rail.

Company Summary

San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA): The agency is deploying the hybrid hydrogen fuel cell-battery electric passenger train on the Arrow Corridor.

Metrolink: The train will operate on the San Bernardino Line.

Stadler Rail: The company manufactured the ZEMU.

Technology

Zero emission multiple unit (ZEMU): A self-powered, zero emission passenger train.