The record-holding and revolutionary hydrogen-powered train, ZEMU, a.k.a. Stadler's FLIRT H2, will soon start its zero-emission transportation in the United States this year. It is known for making history and holding a world record for traveling non-stop for 1,742 miles without refueling, soon to arrive in San Bernardino County, California for its first public operations.
Stadler will deliver a sustainable commuting experience in California later this year, but that is not the only project looking to offer eco-friendly solutions for public rail transportation in the country.
Meet Stadler's FLIRT H2: US' 1st Hydrogen-Powered Train for Public Use
Stadler Rail
The San Bernardino County Transport Authority (SBCTA) announced that the famed ZEMU (Zero Emission Multiple Unit) passenger train has arrived, being the United States' first hydrogen-powered train to start its operations in the country. It will run between San Bernardino and Redlands, California's cities, and promises clean-energy transportation for passengers.
According to SBCTA, this new train system from Stadler is also known as the FLIRT H2, and it aims to meet the Federal Railroad Administration's (FRA) regulations. The new hydrogen train also started its final testing phase.
Zero-Emission Trains to Start in 2024, More Coming Soon
Southern California's upcoming zero-emissions train will begin its operations in come fall of 2024 and will transport passengers between the 9.6-mile route in San Bernardino and Redlands.
That being said, CNET reported that Amtrak has also made its commitment to deliver a new zero-emissions train to the US that will be completed by 2045.
Public Transportation Future: Zero-Emission Solutions
Gone are the days when the world disregards how public transportation affects the environment, especially as the growing problems of the planet worsen every day due to the current options available. Over the past years, many companies have focused on clean-energy solutions, and one of them is hydrogen power, with Europe seeing the world's first hydrogen train from France's Alstom.
There is also the renowned electrification program which the world is currently in the process of adopting, with London delivering wireless buses that use electric power to transport passengers as early as 2022.
However, these clean energy solutions are not all concentrated on land transportation, as the US Coast Guard recently approved a hydrogen-fueled ferry called 'Sea Change' that will soon start its operations in San Francisco.
Electric-powered vehicles may be one of the largest adoptions in the transportation industry, but hydrogen power is now on the rise to deliver an alternative solution for future operations. California is adding a new zero-emission transportation solution in the form of a hydrogen-powered train from Stadler, with FLIRT H2 to soon start its operations this year for San Bernardino and Redlands.
