MERCED, Calif. ( KSEE/KGPE ) – Merced is one of the first California cities, along with Sacramento, where the new zero-emission, hydrogen-powered trains will operate, according to Caltrans during their announcement of a new agreement with Stadler Rail.
On Wednesday, Caltrans announced a $127 million agreement with Stadler Rail, Inc. for six more zero-emission, hydrogen-powered passenger trainsets, building upon an earlier order to deliver the first four hydrogen-powered intercity trainsets in North America.
Caltrans says the trains will help California adapt to climate change by strengthening the state’s zero-emission passenger rail capabilities. Officials say the first trains are expected to enter revenue service in 2027, and its design will make them more efficient, lighter weight, and more affordable than traditional locomotive-hauled coaches.
The first trains will operate between Merced and Sacramento on the future Valley Rail Service, which officials say is an expansion of the existing Altamont Corridos Express (ACE) and Amtrak San Joaquins services that will eventually connect with the first section of California’s high-speed rail service.