The nation's first hydrogen-powered passenger train will begin operations Saturday, Sept. 13, on Metrolink's Arrow line between Redlands and San Bernardino.
The San Bernardino County Transportation Authority announced the launch of the Zero-Emission Multiple Unit, or ZEMU, earlier in September after about 10 months of testing on the Arrow route. The hybrid passenger train utilizes hydrogen fuel cell and battery electric technology to move itself and power onboard electrical systems. Water vapor is the only emission from the propulsion system.
ZEMU will depart the Metrolink Downtown Station in San Bernardino at 10:32 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, marking its debut in passenger service. The train will serve riders on the 9-mile Arrow route only, carrying passengers between downtown San Bernardino and the University of Redlands.
Redlands Mayor Mario Saucedo, who serves on the SBCTA board, said the city has been working to make progress in providing rail transportation options for Inland Empire residents who commute for work or leisure. The Redlands City Council approved an updated climate action plan at its July 1 meeting, establishing new greenhouse gas reduction benchmarks to reflect the latest climate science and state guidance.
"The city's climate action plan and ZEMU will go a long way in reducing our carbon footprint, especially as more residents use it for their daily commutes or weekend excursions," Saucedo said by email. "When this technology takes off elsewhere, Redlands residents can say that we, and our environment, have been benefiting from hydrogen fuel technology right from the start."
Kaitlyn Haberlin, Redlands' sustainability coordinator, echoed the mayor's sentiments. She noted that the city's climate plan outlines various actions officials can take to lower greenhouse gas emissions.
A recent study showed that the transportation sector is the highest contributor of greenhouse gasses in the city, Haberlin said.
"The ZEMU train is a great example of ways we can lower (greenhouse gas) emissions through transportation," she said. "The ZEMU train will also lessen emissions in communities surrounding the rail service, supporting the goals of the (city's climate plan) even further."
Rep. Pete Aguilar, who helped secure federal funding for this project, shared his excitement about the project: "The ZEMU train will not only improve our commutes, but also our air quality."
Saturday's launch brings the first of three $23 million trains planned for the Arrow line. The switch to zero-emission railway vehicles has been in the works since the opening of the Arrow line in 2022.
Arrow trains run daily between Redlands and San Bernardino, allowing riders to connect to the Metrolink San Bernardino line with service to Union Station in L.A.