Environmentally friendly travel: The United States intends to develop trains on hydrogen

In February of this year, Stadler, a Swiss railroad manufacturer, and the state of California signed a $127 million deal to build six new zero-emission passenger trains powered by hydrogen.

This contract complements the original agreement reached in October 2023. Back then, the two sides agreed to purchase 4 trains worth $80 million and 25 more similar trains, Yahoo writes.

Thanks to this agreement, the hydrogen fuel cell railroad fleet in California, the first in the United States, now totals 10 units. However, 19 more units are still needed to complete the fleet.

A press release from the Swiss company Stadler notes that only a few rail lines in the United States are electrified.

The state's investment was directed by Governor Gavin Newsom through a $10 billion zero-emission vehicle package.

In addition, $407 million is earmarked for the California State Transportation Agency to purchase environmentally friendly bus and rail equipment.

According to a press release from Caltrans, the state's transportation agency, these new trains are considered "more efficient, lighter and more affordable than traditional locomotive-powered trains."

Unlike standard locomotives, which use non-environmentally friendly energy sources, hydrogen-powered trains minimize emissions of harmful gases, helping to reduce the negative impact on the environment, as their by-products are only water and heat.

The Stadler FLIRT H2 vehicles are scheduled to begin operating in 2027. They will serve passengers on the route between Merced and Sacramento, including an expanded version of the Altamont Corridor Express and Amtrak San Joaquin, and will also be implemented in the future high-speed rail network in California connecting Merced to Bakersfield.

According to California Secretary of Transportation Tox Omishakin, the state intends to expand its fleet of hydrogen-powered trains, gradually introducing innovative sustainable transportation options for the local population.

As a reminder, the US is launching a water taxi across the sharp Mississippi River. According to TravelWise, the transportation will be free for the duration of the bridge repair.