The first US hydrogen-powered passenger train Stadler FLIRT H2 entered service in California, and this is an important event in the history of green technology and domestic rail transport.

Hydrogen train begins service in California on the Metrolink line
Photo: Stadler

This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Hydrogen train Stadler FLIRT H2 and features

The train is built in Switzerland on the FLIRT platform and has a central module and two passenger cars. The hydrogen fuel cells and the batteries are used to equip it. Its speeds amount to up to 130 km/h and it has 108 seats.

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The initial agreement in 2019 was made by SBCTA with an option to buy four more units. Stadler in 2022 agreed on a contract with CalSTA and Caltrans to expand the program to 25 trains. Accordingly, California may be the first American state to have an overall hydrogen-powered fleet.

Hydrogen train in the US sustainable transport plan

Spring 2024 saw the FLIRT H2 achieve a world first when it traveled 1,742 miles (2,794 km) over three days without refueling in the state of Colorado. It then went through San Bernardino testing to ensure Metrolink network suitability and FRA certification.

Stadler notes that the venture unveils the US market’s propensity to adopt innovations. California is a keen investor in clean transport, and therefore the hydrogen train will be vital to its green agenda. It is an emission-cutting technology and is a pioneer to other states.

For this reason, the arrival of FLIRT H2 marks a new chapter in American railroad history. It reveals how innovation and government support are capable of accelerating the transition to sustainable transport systems.

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What is a hydrogen train and how is it distinct from an electric train?

A hydrogen train uses fuel cells and batteries instead of overhead cables. The former is self-propelled and is appropriate on non-electrification lines.

When will FLIRT H2 begin serial operation in the US?

The services are first launched in California and will be rolled out to 25 trains in the CalSTA and Caltrans contract.

Do passengers buy their hydrogen train tickets from Metrolink?

There are indeed tickets in the usual Metrolink system, just like in other Southern California region trains.

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