March/April 2024 - 32

Transportation Technology Center
the FLIRT H2 project represents a significant leap towards
reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the rail sector. Utilizing
hydrogen fuel cells for propulsion, the FLIRT H2 showcases
the potential of hydrogen as a clean, efficient alternative fuel,
aligning with the nation's decarbonization goals.
The FLIRT H2 combines hydrogen fuel cells and batteries to
Passengers
ride on the
Stadler DART
DMU during
the TTC 50th
Anniversary
Event on Oct. 25,
2022.
propel the vehicle. Electrical power is generated by combining
hydrogen with oxygen in on-board fuel cells. During operation,
the FLIRT H2 emits only water vapor, resulting in zero
carbon emissions. When hydrogen is produced using green
methods, the entire system can achieve zero carbon emissions.
The hydrogen train, comprising two cars with a power
Pioneering the future:
Hydrogen-powered
MU train testing
In parallel, the TTC has played a pivotal
role in advancing the green transportation
agenda through the testing of
the United States' first off-wire zeroemission
passenger train-Stadler's Hydrogen-Electric
Multiple Unit the FLIRT
H2 for SBCTA. Amidst a growing environmental
focus and the urgent need
for sustainable transportation solutions,
soundtransit.org
module in-between housing the hydrogen tanks and fuel
cells, accommodates 108 passengers with generous standing
room and can achieve a maximum speed of up to 79 mph. It
is expected to start operation as part of Metrolink's Arrow
service between San Bernardino and Redlands, Calif., in 2024.
Arriving at the TTC in 2023, the SBCTA Zero-Emission
Multiple Unit (ZEMU) underwent testing encompassing
both static and dynamic phases, evaluating its acceleration,
deceleration, maximum speed, brake performance
and, crucially, its operational service with zero-emission
capabilities. The specialized tracks at the TTC facilitated
thorough examinations of the FLIRT H2 performance in
various operational scenarios.
Both Stadler and ENSCO prioritized proper fueling operaHow
are we
Powering Progress?
Just connect the dots.
Progress never stands still, and neither do we.
We are building the country's most ambitious
transit expansion, and in the process, connecting
the people in Seattle and the Puget Sound to
more places with bus and rail transit. So, you
see, Powering Progress isn't just a slogan, it's
a promise we made 27 years ago and it's what
drives us forward every day.
tion and storage at the TTC during the testing program. The
team successfully sourced and fueled the hydrogen trainset,
with ENSCO establishing a roadmap, in collaboration with
partners, for short-term solutions and a longer-term plan to
establish a permanent hydrogen fueling station and conduct
ongoing hydrogen transportation research and testing at TTC.
The North American railway industry needs alternative
green energy sources such as hydrogen trains to meet increasing
sustainability requirements. The TTC is proud to
support the first U.S. hydrogen passenger train testing and
is ready to support all future research and testing needs to
enable a safe and sustainable transportation future.
Supporting safety, sustainability and security
The role of the TTC, as evident by the testing of both the
Stadler FLIRT DMUs and the FLIRT H2, extends beyond
the validation of trainsets' technical specifications. It represents
a commitment to fostering innovation in passenger
rail transportation, ensuring that new technologies are safe,
reliable and aligned with future sustainability targets. ENSCO's
operation of the TTC has injected fresh momentum
into this endeavor, broadening the scope of transportation
modalities that can be tested and thereby supporting the
industry's evolving needs.
Moreover, the TTC's support for the hydrogen fuel initiative,
through the establishment of a roadmap for fueling operations
and future research, underscores its role as a catalyst for the
adoption of green energy solutions in rail transportation.
This aligns with the broader industry and governmental
For more information, visit www.MassTransitmag.com/11178278
32 Mass Transit | MARCH/APRIL 2024
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1/12/24 9:20 AM
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March/April 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of March/April 2024
