Hydrogen Train Debuts on San Bernardino Arrow Route

The 108-seat train is now carrying passengers on the 14.5-kilometer line, offering a cleaner way for locals to commute.

Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Electric Vehicles

Bold vector editorial illustration of a modern streamlined hydrogen train moving across an arid landscape, representing zero-emission public transit technology. — The Stadler Flirt H2 hydrogen-powered train entered service on September 13, 2025, offering San Bernardino commuters a zero-emission alternative to traditional rail. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should regional transit agencies prioritize hydrogen-powered trains over traditional rail electrification?

The Stadler Flirt H2 hydrogen-powered trainset officially entered passenger service on the Metrolink Arrow route on September 13, 2025. This launch marks the first deployment of a hydrogen-powered passenger train in the United States to meet Federal Railroad Administration standards.

Why it matters

San Bernardino commuters now have access to zero-emission rail travel as transit authorities test hydrogen technology to meet sustainability goals. Hydrogen was selected over battery-electric systems to ensure the range necessary for continuous operations on the line.

The trainset features 108 seats and reaches top speeds of 130 km/h across the five-station route spanning 14.5 kilometers. While this unit is currently in service, the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority retains an option to purchase four additional hydrogen trains.

The players

Stadler Rail

A Swiss manufacturer based in Bussnang that produces a wide range of regional and high-speed rail vehicles.

San Bernardino County Transportation Authority

The local agency responsible for regional transit planning and the operation of the Arrow route.

Federal Railroad Administration

The national regulatory body responsible for setting safety and operational standards for rail transportation.

The details

The train utilizes fuel cells to charge an onboard battery, which then powers the traction motors and HVAC systems. This setup also allows the train to capture energy through regenerative braking, increasing efficiency. The technology was specifically chosen for its ability to maintain continuous operation over longer distances compared to existing battery-electric alternatives.

November 2019: SBCTA ordered the first hydrogen trainset unit.
October 2022: The Arrow commuter line opened.
Mid-2024: The trainset arrived in San Bernardino.
September 13, 2025: The trainset entered passenger service.

The Home Front

The introduction of this hydrogen trainset represents a localized shift away from traditional diesel-powered transit in a region with limited rail electrification. It sets a new precedent for how municipal transit authorities might integrate clean energy tech into existing regional rail infrastructure.

Commuters on the Arrow route can now incorporate hydrogen-powered rail into their daily transit logistics between San Bernardino and Redlands. Local residents should check the current Metrolink schedule to identify which trips are served by the new hydrogen unit.

The takeaway

The Arrow route represents a major test case for hydrogen in American transit as the agency evaluates whether to scale up with four additional units. Local riders can experience the new zero-emission rail travel firsthand by utilizing the five-station line connecting San Bernardino and Redlands.