SB 1 funds inspire cleaner transportation options for Californians
The Redlands Passenger Rail Project is an innovative nine-mile regional rail project that provides additional transportation choices through the introduction of a new rail service, known as the Arrow, which integrates conveniently with other modes of transportation such as auto, bus and bicycle. The regional rail project is also the first in the nation to utilize zero-emission, hydrogen passenger trains in North America, furthering California’s standing as a world leader in clean transportation.
The project was awarded critical SB 1 funds from the Local Partnership and Solutions for Congested Corridors programs in 2018 to support project delivery on this innovative and transformational project. These funds accounted for nearly half of the $164 million in state funding for the project.
The Arrow connects San Bernardino and Redlands and offers residents, businesses, and visitors a new commuting option to travel to a variety of leisure, education, healthcare, and other destinations.
In addition to local commuter service, a Metrolink locomotive-hauled coach train also provides round trip express service from Redlands-to-Los Angeles each morning with return trip from Los Angeles-to-Redlands each evening.
The Arrow project is initially utilizing Diesel Multiple Units (DMUs) as the preferred vehicle to provide primary service for the project, with hydrogen-powered trainsets to be delivered in 2024. The DMUs are powered by an on-board low-emission, clean-diesel engine which are smaller, quieter, more efficient, and cheaper to operate than standard locomotive haul coaches.
The San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) and Stadler Rail Inc. signed a contract in 2019 to begin manufacturing the first two-car hydrogen-powered passenger trains to operate in the United States on the regional Arrow line.
The SBCTA will debut the Zero-Emission Multiple Unit (ZEMU) rail vehicle this year that will use a hybrid hydrogen fuel cell and battery technology to propel the vehicle, providing a cleaner transit option for the community.
Based on the success of Stadler’s partnership with the SBCTA, along with other partnerships, innovations, and funding sources, including SB 1, the Redland Passenger Rail (Arrow) project has cleared the way for more projects utilizing ZEMU vehicles in California.
In October 2023, Caltrans signed a $80 million contract to deliver the first zero-emission, hydrogen intercity passenger trains in North America to be used primarily between Merced and Sacramento. The vehicles will be based on Stadler’s successful Fast Light Intercity and Regional Train (FLIRT) concept, extending work done with the SBCTA to develop self-powered multiple-unit trains using zero-emission hydrogen fuel cells without the need of a separate locomotive.
On February 14, 2024, Caltrans announced a $127 million agreement with Stadler Rail, Inc. for six more zero-emission, hydrogen-powered passenger trainsets.
These latest purchases are funded through Governor Gavin Newsom’s historic $10 billion, multiyear zero-emission vehicle package, which included $407 million for the California State Transportation Agency to purchase or lease state-of-the-art clean bus and rail equipment and infrastructure.
The Redlands Passenger Rail Project and Arrow service were instrumental in demonstrating successful project delivery of innovative clean energy projects that will benefit communities and achieve California’s climate goals. SB 1 funds will continue to contribute to the state’s safety, equity, climate action, and economic prosperity goals.
