San Bernardino County Transportation Authority’s (SBCTA) ZEMU—a hydrogen fuel cell-powered FLIRT H2 train from Stadler—will start testing Nov. 2 on Metrolink’s Arrow line between San Bernardino and Redlands, Calif.
Phase 1 testing will validate communications technology between the train and the grade crossing detection systems, SBCTA reported in its Oct. 25 email newsletter. It is scheduled for the weekend of Nov. 2-3; a second weekend, Nov. 9-10, may be added. Phase 2 performance testing will take place overnight (9 p.m.-4 a.m.) from Nov. 11 through Jan. 31, 2025.
SBCTA ordered the two-car ZEMU (Zero-Emission Multiple Unit) from Stadler in 2019, with an option for four more; it was built in Switzerland and showcased at InnoTrans 2022. The train arrived in the U.S. in September 2023 and was on display at APTA EXPO 2023 in October. Next, it underwent extensive testing at TTC Operated by ENSCO in Pueblo, Colo. This included achieving a Guinness World Record for the longest single operating distance recorded by a hydrogen fuel cell multiple-unit without refueling: 1,742.025 miles. The ZEMU arrived in San Bernardino in June (see video, below). Since then, SBCTA said, it has undergone various tests to integrate with Metrolink’s operating system, trainings have occurred with public safety personnel, and safety checks in accordance with Federal Railroad Administration guidelines are ongoing.
The ZEMU will run on the nine-mile, five-station San Bernardino Transit Center-University of Redlands (Arrow) line, which began operations in October 2022. Once it enters revenue service, the ZEMU will run alongside the existing low-emission Stadler FLIRT DMUs (diesel multiple units).
Further Reading:
- FLIRT H2 Sets a Guinness World Record at TTC
- Hydrogen Finds its Place in California
- California Orders Another Six HFC Trainsets
- California Finalizes Order for 29 HFC Trainsets
- California Orders 29 HFC Trains for Intercity Services
Separately, Stadler on Oct. 26 broke ground on a new facility expansion project in Salt Lake City, Utah. The manufacturer reported via LinkedIn that it was “excited to be able to double our manufacturing footprint here and soon provide additional jobs for Utahns!” The extension, it said, comprises two additional assembly halls by the existing hall. Additionally, Stadler is building a welding hall, which will allow it to start manufacturing aluminum car bodies.
