A new Central Valley railroad project will soon have hydrogen-powered passenger trains running on them.
Caltrans announced this week that the state has agreed to a $127 million deal with Stadler Rail, Inc. for six zero-emission, hydrogen-powered passenger trains.
The big picture: The first trains will operate between Merced and Sacramento on the future Valley Rail service.
- The Valley Rail project is an expansion of the existing Altamont Corridor Express and Amtrak San Joaquins services that will eventually connect to high-speed rail.
- The trains will also be demonstrated on corridors throughout the state.
- The purchase is funded through Gov. Gavin Newsom’s $10 billion zero-emission vehicle package.
What they’re saying: “California continues to lead the way to a cleaner, more connected transportation system,” said California Transportation Secretary Toks Omishakin. “By expanding our fleet of hydrogen-powered passenger trainsets, we are showing we are serious about deploying innovative and sustainable transportation options for the people of this state.”
