The San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) will launch passenger services on its hybrid hydrogen fuel cell and battery electric train, known as ZEMU, on Saturday, September 13.
The train will operate on the nine-mile Arrow Corridor of Metrolink’s San Bernardino Line.
The first departure is scheduled for 10:32 a.m. from the Metrolink San Bernardino Downtown Station. Services will continue throughout the day, stopping at all five Arrow Corridor stations. Travel on the inaugural day will be free of charge.
>> In Other News: Wood Mackenzie Announces Third Annual CCUS Conference in Houston
© Stadler
SBCTA Board President Rick Denison said:
Saturday will mark a historic day for SBCTA. ZEMU is proof of our commitment to improving regional air quality, embracing innovation, and expanding clean-air transit options throughout the county. I look forward to riding ZEMU and am excited for residents and visitors to experience this train firsthand.
ZEMU, an abbreviation of Zero Emission Multiple Unit, is North America’s first self-powered, zero-emission passenger train built to meet Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) requirements. Its propulsion system combines hydrogen fuel cells with battery storage, producing water vapour as the only emission. The technology also supplies onboard electrical power.
The train consists of two passenger carriages and a central power unit housing the propulsion system. It features a blue and white exterior design representing water vapour.
Built by Stadler in Switzerland, the train arrived in San Bernardino in June 2024. It has since undergone testing to ensure compatibility with Metrolink operations and compliance with FRA standards.
In August 2024, the California State Transportation Agency recognised SBCTA for introducing the first ZEMU train in the United States, noting that the project provides a framework for other agencies considering hydrogen-powered rail vehicles.
Read more about deploying hydrogen-powered trains in the US from APTA’s recent rail conference.
Subscribe to the newsletter
Daily decarbonization data and news delivered to your inbox
Follow the money flow of climate, technology, and energy investments to uncover new opportunities and jobs.
Latest issues
-
What 10x Growth Means for Hydrogen’s Future
Inside This Issue 💧 Blue Hydrogen Just Won 2025: 10x More Than Green ✈️ Houston American Energy Advances Development of Sustainable Aviation Fuel ⛏️ Max Power Expands Natural Hydrogen Discovery Po...
-
Google's Power Play: First CCS Deal Reshapes Energy
Inside This Issue ⚡ Google's Power Play: First CCS Deal Reshapes Energy 🌎 True North Carbon's Tamarack Project, Canada's Largest Single-Technology Direct Air Capture Deployment, Achieves First Cap...
-
The $27/ton Question: What Makes a Carbon Removal Credit Worth 3x More?
Inside This Issue 💰 The $27/ton Question: What Makes a Carbon Removal Credit Worth 3x More? 🛢️ EPA Issues Three Class VI Permits to ExxonMobil in Jefferson County, Texas 🌍 UN Endorses First Articl...
Company Announcements
-
IRENA Chief Expects Sustainable Biofuels To Feature As Key COP30 Theme
International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Director-General Francesco La Camera speaks during the opening session of the 12th IEA IEF OPEC Symposium on Energy Outlooks in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, F...
-
Tuesday, October 28, 2025 7:10 AM PDT Vancouver, British Columbia -- (Newsfile Corp. - October 28, 2025) -- Element One Hydrogen and Critical Minerals Corp. ( CSE: EONE) ("Element One" or the "Com...
-
Hyundai Translead To Lead Distribution Of XCIENT Fuel Cell Trucks In North America
SAN DIEGO -- (Business Wire) -- Hyundai Translead will serve as the official distributor of Hyundai Motor Company’s XCIENT Fuel Cell Trucks in North America. This marks a significant step forward i...
-
Integration of Saskatchewan’s Subsurface Data and AI-Driven Analytics Positions MAX Power Mining Corp at the Forefront of Defining the Future of Natural Hydrogen Exploration & Development Octo...