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2/15/2024
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) yesterday announced a $127 million agreement with Stadler Rail Inc. for the order of six more zero-emission, hydrogen-powered passenger trainsets. The order builds on an earlier order to deliver the first four hydrogen-powered intercity trainsets in North America.
In October 2023, Caltrans signed an $80 million contract with Stadler to deliver the zero-emission, hydrogen intercity passenger trains. The vehicles will be based on Stadler's Fast Light Intercity and Regional Train (FLIRT) concept, extending work done with the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority to develop self-powered multiple-unit trains using zero-emission hydrogen fuel cells without the need of a separate locomotive.
The trains will help California adapt to climate change by strengthening the state’s zero-emission passenger-rail capabilities, Caltrans officials said in a press release.
The first trains are expected to enter revenue service in 2027. The trainset design will make them lighter and more efficient and affordable than traditional locomotive-hauled coaches, according to Caltrans.
The purchase is funded through Gov. Gavin Newsom's $10 billion, multiyear zero-emission vehicle package, which included $407 million for the California State Transportation Agency to purchase or lease state-of-the-art clean bus and rail equipment and infrastructure.
The first trains will operate between Merced and Sacramento on the future Valley Rail service, which is an expansion of the existing Altamont Corridor Express and Amtrak San Joaquins services that will eventually connect with the first section of California’s high-speed rail service.