Stadler and the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) has unveiled a new hydrogen-powered train set to serve the area.
The Zero Emission Multiple Unit (ZEMU) arrived at San Bernardino Depot Train Station in California, US, on June 21, and will now begin final phase testing, which includes trips on the Arrow line and Metrolink system checks ahead of operations later this year.
The locomotive uses a hybrid hydrogen and battery technology to power operations and onboard electrical systems. The train was built in Switzerland at Stadler’s headquarters and has been since used in the US at the Galveston, Texas.
“ZEMU’s arrival in San Bernardino is a significant milestone recognising years of strategic planning for a greener rail system and a commitment to innovative transportation solutions in San Bernardino County,” claimed SBCTA President, Ray Marquez.
“I look forward to county residents and visitors riding ZEMU on the Arrow line in the coming months.”
The arrival represents 10 years of planning and four years of train development by the SBCTA, which had the goal of implementing efficient, sustainable passenger rail travel.
California’s Department of Transportation (Caltrans) placed a $127m order for six hydrogen passenger transits from Stadler earlier this year.
Read more:California orders six Stadler hydrogen-powered trains for $127m
These vehicles are set to complement the four trains already ordered by Caltrans and will enter revenue service in 2027.
In March (2024), Stadler’s FLIRT H2 locomotive achieved a Guinness World Record for the longest distance travelled by a pilot hydrogen-powered train without refuelling, reported to be over 1,700 miles.
Read more: Stadler hydrogen-powered train achieves world record following Colorado testing
