A contract signing between Stadler and the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) marks a major milestone in bringing zero-emission passenger rail technology to the U.S. The hydrogen-powered FLIRT H2 vehicle is planned to be introduced in 2024 as part of the Redlands Passenger Rail Project, a nine-mile connector between Redlands and San Bernardino’s Metrolink station.
The ordered vehicle consists of two cars with a power pack in between. This holds the fuel cells and the hydrogen tanks. The train is expected to have seating space for 108 passengers and in addition generous standing room. The FLIRT H2 is projected to transport passengers with a maximum speed of up to 79 mph (130 km/h).
Europe
The world’s first hydrogen powered train is the Coriadia iLint, developed by the French company Alstom. In Germany, two of these trains are in use since 2018 and a few dozens more have been ordered. In the Netherlands, a test with the Coradia iLint is due to start in the beginning of 2020.
