The arrival of the first zero-emission train in the United States marks a significant milestone in the journey towards sustainable transportation. This pioneering train, designed to operate on Metrolink’s Arrow line, is set to revolutionize the daily commute between San Bernardino and Redlands, Authority announced.
On June 20, 2024, Transit America Services Arrow Deputy General Manager of Operations, Tyler Pruitt, alongside Transportation Supervisor Garrett Byrd, proudly introduced the zero-emission train at San Bernardino’s Santa Fe Depot. This train, the Zero Emission Multiple Unit (ZEMU), is expected to become a regular sight on the 9-mile route by the end of the year. The San Bernardino County Transportation Authority had originally planned for its arrival in May, but extended testing delayed its debut.
The ZEMU, with approximately 108 seats, promises a cleaner and quieter travel experience. This train is powered by hydrogen fuel cells, a testament to years of dedicated efforts by the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority to transition to a zero-emission fleet. Authority spokesperson Tim Watkins highlighted the agency’s vision for an environmentally friendly rail system, stating, “We have long had a vision to transition to a zero-emission fleet.”
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Manufactured by Stadler Rail in Eastern Switzerland, the ZEMU made its way to Pueblo, Colorado, for initial tests before heading to California. Its groundbreaking journey didn’t stop there; the train set a world record in March 2024 for the longest distance traveled by a hydrogen fuel cell electric multiple units without refueling, covering 1,742 miles on a test track in Colorado.
The ZEMU will undergo its final phase of testing, running short trips on the Metrolink and Arrow line. By 2025, it will officially join the fleet, offering a sustainable alternative to the current diesel-powered trains. Ray Marquez, a Chino Hills city council member and president of the agency’s board, remarked, “ZEMU’s arrival in San Bernardino is a significant milestone recognizing years of strategic planning for a greener rail system.”
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The introduction of the ZEMU is expected to significantly improve air quality in the region and reduce noise pollution. This aligns with the broader trend in the transportation industry towards sustainability. Amtrak, for example, has announced its goal to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2045. Stadler Rail is also leading the way, being the first train manufacturer to produce narrow-gauge hydrogen trains and planning to supply 15 hydrogen-powered vehicles in Italy.
The ZEMU will not only contribute to environmental protection but also enhance the passenger experience. Tim Watkins noted, “When you’re on the [ZEMU] train, you can sit across from one another, either at a table or facing seats on the train and have a very quiet, pleasant, normal conversation uninterrupted by what typically we experience with train noise.”
