This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
6/25/2024
North America’s first self-powered, zero-emission passenger train that will meet Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regulations recently arrived at the San Bernardino Depot Train Station in California.
The passenger train, a zero emission multiple unit (ZEMU), uses a hybrid hydrogen and battery technology to propel the train and power onboard electrical systems, according to a San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) press release.
Stadler Rail and SBCTA debuted ZEMU at the October 2023 American Public Transportation Association’s annual EXPO in Orlando, Fla. At the conclusion of testing, a BNSF Railway Co. locomotive coupled with ZEMU on June 18 to pull the new train more than 1,000 miles over two days from Pueblo, Colo. to San Bernardino, Calif.
“ZEMU’s arrival in San Bernardino is a significant milestone recognizing years of strategic planning for a greener rail system and a commitment to innovative transportation solutions in San Bernardino County,” SBCTA President Ray Marquez said. “I look forward to county residents and visitors riding ZEMU on the Arrow line in the coming months.”
The new ZEMU has a white water-vapor design wrapped around the train’s two passenger cars and center power pack where the hydrogen and battery propulsion system is located. Water vapor is the only emission generated from the propulsion system
In the coming weeks, ZEMU will begin the final phase of testing that will include trips on the Arrow line and Metrolink system checks. It is expected to be put into service later this year.