Hydrogen-powered passenger train reaches milestone

The first hydrogen-powered, zero-emission passenger train in the US has been unveiled in San Bernardino, California, a milestone for this innovative project.

Mott MacDonald joined representatives of the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA), the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), the Southern California Regional Rail Authority (Metrolink), the Federal Railroad Administration, the Swiss vehicle manufacturer (Stadler), and the US Congress to introduce the zero-emission multiple unit (ZEMU) vehicle at an event on August 15.

Joy Buenaflor, Deputy Director of Transit and Rail Programs for SBCTA, said, “It has been rewarding to work with the Mott MacDonald team to successfully deliver the first self-powered, zero-emission passenger train that will meet the requirements of the FRA [Federal Railroad Administration]. They were very knowledgeable and committed to the project and had SBCTA and our community’s best interest in the forefront. I would not hesitate to work with Mott MacDonald again on future groundbreaking projects.”

On behalf of the SBCTA, Mott MacDonald prepared the grant application that won $30 million from the California Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program in 2018. The money was allocated for research, development, and implementation of a ZEMU vehicle, with the eventual goal of converting the existing diesel fleet to ZEMU vehicles. In 2023 we prepared a second application for additional funding, reaching a total of $45.8 million of state funding for the project.

Our team evaluated zero-emission technologies including alternative fuels, batteries, hydrogen fuel cells, and hybrid options. In July 2019, the SBCTA’s board unanimously approved the implementation of a hydrogen fuel cell and battery hybrid vehicle.

Mott MacDonald is the prime consultant currently overseeing delivery and testing of the Stadler vehicle. We led the final design and permitting for the supporting rail facility infrastructure upgrades and hydrogen fueling facility, working with federal, state, and local agencies to obtain compliance with regulations. Service to Redlands, known as the Arrow service, began in 2022, initially using diesel vehicles. ZEMU service will begin in 2025.

Ray Marquez, Council President of SBCTA, said, “What we have done with ZEMU is transformational. The development of the train has solidified SBCTA’s place as an innovator in clean passenger rail here in the Inland Empire, throughout the state and the nation.”

Secretary of Transportation for the State of California Toks Omishakin said, “Cleaner air, quieter trains and extra space on board are just a few of the outstanding benefits these hydrogen-powered passenger trains bring to the people of California. We are thankful for this partnership as we work to advance our ambitious climate goals and, with Caltrans, put 10 more zero-emission trains in motion, providing much-needed intercity rail service throughout California.”