SAN BERNARDINO – (INT) - North America’s first self-powered, zero-emission passenger train is poised to begin service in the Inland Empire later this year.

The ZEMU has pulled into the San Bernardino train depot to begin testing on Metrolink’s line to Redlands.

ZEMU, or a Zero Emission Multiple Unit, uses a hybrid hydrogen and battery technology to propel the train and power onboard electrical systems. Water vapor is the only emission generated by the propulsion system.

ZEMU was built by the Stadler Company in Switzerland. It was transported by truck and then barge to Belgium completing its voyage across the Atlantic Ocean at Galveston, Texas last fall.

Story Date: August 13, 2024