Bussnang TG/Salt Lake City/Sacramento – Stadler will initially deliver four of its FLIRT trains with hydrogen drive to California. The contract is worth $80 million. In addition, the contract with California transit authorities includes an option for up to 25 more trains.
California wants to implement its ambitious goal of zero-emission rail transport with Stadler Rail. The California State Transportation Agency and its California Department of Transportation(Caltrans) have ordered four hydrogen-powered trains from the Fast Light Intercity and Region Train(FLIRT) series from the train manufacturer from the St.Gallen-Lake Constance area. The contract is worth $80 million, according to a Caltrans media release. In addition, the agreement includes an option for up to 25 more of these trains to be used in the rest of California, if necessary.
As Stadler points out in a separate release, a partnership with the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority made the development of this first hydrogen-powered train in North America possible. The innovative vehicle was presented to the global public at InnoTrans 2022 in Berlin and APTA EXPO 2023 in Orlando. “Our development of the battery fuel cell train is transforming the U.S. rail vehicle industry for alternative propulsion systems and combines the typical Stadler- top quality and reliability,” Martin Ritter, CEO of Stadler US, based in Salt Lake City in the U.S. state of Utah, is quoted as saying.
“Stadler’s goal is to help make travel in North America more environmentally friendly with its vehicles and services,” said Ansgar Brockmeyer, EVP of Marketing and Sales for Stadler Group. “Very few rail lines in the U.S. are electrified, which is why solutions like the FLIRT H2 are so important here.” ce/mm
