ZEMU Testing Advances in November with Start of Test Trips Through Arrow Corridor
October 28, 2024
San Bernardino County Transportation Authority’s (SBCTA) flagship zero-emission, hydrogen and battery train, ZEMU, will begin running test trips along Metrolink’s 9-mile Arrow corridor that serves the eastern portion of the San Bernardino Line between the San Bernardino Downtown Station and Redlands University Station. Testing will occur in two phases.
The first phase will include weekend test trips, which are scheduled to take place the weekend of Nov. 2-3, 2024, between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. each day. If needed, testing will again take place Nov. 9-10, 2024, between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. each day.
During this phase of testing, normal Metrolink Arrow service will be suspended and railroad crossing bells and train horns will be sounded at all crossings as the iconic blue and white ZEMU passes through to validate the communications technology between the train and the detection systems at the crossings. During the validation period, safety personnel will be positioned at all intersections.
After the weekend validation phase, the second phase of testing is expected to begin Monday, Nov. 11, and take place overnight on weeknights between 9:00 p.m. and 4:00 a.m.
through January 2025. Riders should expect reduced nighttime service during this phase.
Railroad crossing bells will sound at each crossing when the train passes. No train horns are expected. However, the engineer may blow the horns, on an as needed basis, if deemed necessary for the safety of motorists and pedestrians.
For the latest information on Arrow service updates, visit metrolinktrains.com/arrow.
In observance of the Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year holidays, testing will not occur between Nov. 25-29, Dec. 23-27, and Dec. 30-Jan. 3. Following a successful completion of testing, ZEMU is anticipated to enter Metrolink’s Arrow service on the San Bernardino Line in early 2025.
Since its arrival to the city of San Bernardino in late June, ZEMU has undergone various tests to integrate with Metrolink’s operating system, trainings have occurred with public safety personnel, and safety checks in accordance with Federal Railroad Administration guidelines are ongoing.
Upon entering service, ZEMU, short for Zero Emission Multiple Unit, will be North America’s first self-powered, zero-emission passenger train that meets Federal Railroad Administration requirements. The train uses a hybrid hydrogen and battery technology to propel the train and power onboard electrical systems. Water vapor is the only emission generated from the propulsion system, making this a clean transit alternative.
SBCTA has been celebrated by the California State Transportation Agency and Federal Railroad Administration for developing ZEMU and creating a framework for other transit agencies to follow and implement the zero-emission train into their fleets.
Learn more about ZEMU and sign up for train testing updates here.
