North America’s ‘first’ hydrogen passenger train enters service in California
Source：h2-view
North America’s “first” hydrogen-powered passenger train has entered service in California.
The new Stadler-made hybrid hydrogen fuel cell-battery train will operate on a nine-mile route between San Bernardino and Redlands University on up to 16 trips per day.
San Bernardino County Transport Authority (SBCTA) marked the launch by offering free metro rides in the city on its first day of service.
Manufactured in 2024, the train has undergone testing to ensure compliance with Metrolink systems and guidelines set by the Federal Railroad Administration.
The train is based on Stadler’s Fast Light Intercity and Regional Train (FLIRT) design to offer up to 380 miles of range with a maximum speed of 79mph.
SBCTA Board President Rick Denison said the new train was “proof” of the authority’s commitment to improving regional air quality through new technologies.
While hydrogen trains have played a role on European networks for years, the US has been far slower to adopt new technologies.
With the majority of track owned by freight railroads, passenger lines are dispersed, with very little electrification.
Stadler’s Commercial Project Manager, Kaden Killpack, previously told H2 View, hydrogen “makes a lot of sense” for US rail.
“In Europe, if you’re looking to go zero-emission, you can use an overhead power train, which is already zero emissions,” he said.
“With the SBCTA, they’re in an area where they weren’t getting support for overhead power, so they had to find another solution and a way of going zero emissions without giving power on the wayside.”