Transit Briefs: SBCTA, Denver RTD, MBTA, LA Metro
Written by Carolina Worrell, Senior Editor
(SBCTA photo)
The San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) welcomes North America’s first self-powered, zero-emission passenger train to Southern California. Also, Denver’s Regional Transportation District (RTD) launches a new program to provide face-to-face assistance to customers; the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) Board of Directors commits to funding a pilot program for electric trains; and LA Metro releases its Draft Environmental Impact Statement/Supplemental Environmental Impact Report (EIS/SEIR) for the Link Union Station Project (Link US).
SBCTA
Passenger rail service between San Bernardino and Redlands will soon be running cleaner with the arrival of North America’s first self-powered, zero-emission passenger train that will meet Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regulations. The train’s arrival at the San Bernardino Depot Train Station, SBCTA says, “marks a significant milestone on its incredible journey from concept to reality.”
The passenger train, a Zero Emission Multiple Unit (ZEMU), 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.
According to SBCTA, the train’s arrival to Southern California represents more than 10 years of planning, including four years of train development, by the agency, which saw the need for efficient, sustainable passenger rail as part of the regional transportation ecosystem. The agency serves one of the fastest-growing economic and population centers in the country, as well as one of the more challenged air quality basins in North America.
ZEMU’s journey began in eastern Switzerland, where it was built by Stadler at the company’s headquarters. From there, it was transported by truck and then barge to Belgium where it set off on its voyage across the Atlantic Ocean.
ZEMU arrived in the U.S. at the Galveston, Texas, port in fall of 2023 where it continued its journey on American soil to the Transportation Technology Center (TTC) in Pueblo, Colo. for safety testing.
Taking a short break from testing, Stadler and SBCTA debuted ZEMU at the October 2023 American Public Transportation Association’s (APTA) annual EXPO in Orlando, Fla. to showcase the innovative hydrogen-powered rail technology.
At the conclusion of testing, a BNSF locomotive coupled with ZEMU on June 18, to pull the new train more than 1,000 miles over two days from Pueblo, Colo. to San Bernardino, Calif.
“ZEMU’s arrival in San Bernardino is a significant milestone recognizing years of strategic planning for a greener rail system and a commitment to innovative transportation solutions in San Bernardino County,” SBCTA President Ray Marquez said. “I look forward to county residents and visitors riding ZEMU on the Arrow line in the coming months.”
The new ZEMU is easy to spot with its signature blue and white water-vapor design wrapped around the train’s two passenger cars and center power pack where the hydrogen and battery propulsion system is located.
In the coming weeks, SBCTA says ZEMU will begin the final phase of testing, which will include trips on the Arrow line and Metrolink system checks with a goal of safe entry into service later this year.
More information is available here.
Denver RTD
RTD launched a six-month pilot outreach program in May to assist customers on the system where and when they need it the most. Known as the “Impact Team,” the group of outreach ambassadors is comprised of nearly 40 RTD employees from across the entire agency. The team is deployed to rail stations and bus stops during peak service times, major events, and service disruptions to provide on-site, real-time customer service.
The team, RTD says, was initially established to support the Coping Panels and Downtown Rail Reconstruction projects, both of which are under way this summer. Over the last two weeks, the Impact Team has prioritized its outreach efforts to also support the temporary speed restrictions along the Southeast Corridor’s light rail lines.
Additionally, RTD says it has aligned the team’s outreach schedule to dispatch the employee ambassadors during concerts, festivals, downtown events, and Rockies home games. The on-location ambassadors support customers using RTD’s bus and rail services to reach events and venues, along with helping in navigating the system. Members of the Impact Team were trained to answer frequently asked questions, help customers to use the MyRide, Transit Watch, and NextRide mobile applications, and to collect customer feedback and concerns.
Earlier this week, the Impact Team began outreach along the E, H and R lines that have been most impacted by the recent speed restrictions. The team has been providing information about the slowdown zones, sharing alternate bus route schedules, and providing water for customers waiting for the next train. The Impact Team has also been educating customers on how to use Bustang’s bus services RTD’s online trip planner tools.
“The Impact Team program is focused on creating a welcoming transit environment for all customers,” said RTD Chief Communications and Engagement Officer Stuart Summers. “This real-time approach to engagement not only addresses the immediate concerns and questions of customers, but we are able to foster stronger connections with the agency. By being present and available at stops and stations, the Impact Team can immediately alleviate customer concerns, gather valuable feedback about improving RTD’s services, and ensure needs are satisfactorily met.”
The employees participating in the program volunteer their time in parallel with regular work duties and come from all departments of the organization. This includes Human Resource, Information Technology, Safety and Environmental, Bus and Rail Operations, Civil Rights, General Counsel, Capital Programs, and Finance. RTD’s Leadership Team is also participating as members of the Impact Team, bringing their vast experience and knowledge to the program.
MBTA
Thanks to a June 11 vote by the MBTA’s Board of Directors, the Fairmount commuter rail line “is moving closer to a long-pursued goal of cleaner and more frequent service,” according to a Dorchester Reporter report.
According to the report, in the $9.6 billion capital investment plan for 2025-29 approved by the Board, the MBTA “commits to funding a pilot program for electric trains to replace the current fleet, which is powered by more environmentally harmful diesel fuel.” The plan, MBTA says, “calls for facility improvements, along with upgrades of track, signal, and power infrastructure to operate the ‘decarbonized’ trains every 20 minutes.
Keolis, according to the report submitted a proposal; however, the MBTA was opening up bids for other companies to offer similar proposals “to ensure that the process is open, fair and competitive.”
LA Metro
LA Metro announced June 21 that its Draft EIS/SEIR for the Link US project is now available for public viewing.
The Draft EIS/SEIR (download below) includes a detailed evaluation of the proposed improvements, including all possible environmental impacts. For comparison, LA Metro also evaluates what would happen if no changes were made (“No Action” alternative).
LA Metro completed an environmental review of the project under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) in 2019 and is now undergoing review under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), which will support the agency’s efforts to fully fund the project.
The Draft EIS/SEIR, which can be viewed here, is available in accordance with the requirements of CEQA and NEPA for a minimum 45-day public review and comment period that began on June 21 and ends on August 9.
