State of California and Stadler signed a contract on October 12, 2023, to supply the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) and Caltrans with four hydrogen train sets, with an option to acquire up to 25 additional vehicles.
A partnership between Stadler and the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) paved the way for the creation of the very first hydrogen-powered train in North America. The groundbreaking vehicle was unveiled at InnoTrans 2022 and APTA EXPO 2023. In September 2022, CalSTA, Caltrans and Stadler signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the supply of hydrogen train sets based on Flirt platform.
Stadler’s new hydrogen train has undergone extensive testing in both Switzerland and the USA, affirming its exceptional performance and reliability. The successful trials have led to an unprecedented decision by CalSTA and Caltrans to embark on this innovative path alongside Stadler.
The contract represents the next phase in the collaboration, introducing a further developed SBCTA model with enhanced transport capacity. It demonstrates Caltrans’ unwavering commitment to investing in cutting-edge technology that will help California meet its ambitious zero-emission rail mandate.
As California’s next big rail investment unfolds, the deployment of these hydrogen trains across the state is poised to revolutionize the rail industry while significantly reducing carbon emissions. California’s commitment to a zero-emission rail network, coupled with Stadler’s innovative technology, marks a groundbreaking partnership that will have a lasting impact on the environment and the future of rail transport.
In August 2023 the California Transportation Commission has approved a USD 80 million funding from CalSTA to allow Caltrain the purchase of a four-car battery-electric train from Stadler that will operate on the electrified San Francisco – San José corridor as well as on the non-electrified section between San Jose and Gilroy.
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