Metrolink is hearing the results of a study on the feasibility of running hydrogen multiple unit (ZEMU) trains on the San Bernardino and Antelope Valley Line trains. The results of the study are now in, and they do not look good for hydrogen. The study finds that hydrogen trains perform worse than existing diesel trains, cost more to operate, have less capacity, and would have substantial upfront capital costs: more than $1B for full buildout, and $19M for a small pilot. A hydrogen pilot would cost money we don't have while making service worse. By contrast, Metrolink electrification would shorten travel times and lead to faster, more frequent service - but Metrolink has not yet committed to or even seriously studied it. We've already tested hydrogen trains on the Arrow - tell Metrolink not to commit any more resources to hydrogen, and redirect funds for a hydrogen pilot into an electrification study. Here's how to take action:

1) (Best) - Comment in person at 10 am, Friday, September 25th at the Metro Board Room,
One Gateway Plaza, 3rd floor, Los Angeles, California 90001

2) Email using this tool by 4 pm Thursday, September 24th.

Talking points:

• We can’t afford a hydrogen pilot. All implementations of a hydrogen train would increase operating costs at a time when Metrolink is struggling financially and cutting service. The $19M capital cost of the pilot is more than twice the available funding ($8.5M) and would divert scarce resources from essential capacity and maintenance needs.

• Hydrogen trains worsen service. According to the study, hydrogen trains would make the Antelope Valley Line slower, make it hard to run 30 minute service, and have less capacity than projected peak ridership. Metrolink needs to aim for growth, not managed decline.

• Hydrogen trains are unsafe. The study raises serious concerns about safety in tunnels. Additional hydrogen fueling infrastructure would need to be installed at maintenance facilities in Colton, San Bernardino, East LA, and Santa Clarita. A hydrogen fueling explosion in Colton this year killed two people.

• Hydrogen trains are a false solution. Most hydrogen is made from fossil gas and still contributes to climate change. There is minimal environmental benefit from switching to hydrogen.

• Invest in Electrification. Metro and Metrolink should use the ZEMU pilot funds for a study on how to implement overhead electrification.

• Electrification improves service and efficiency. According to CER’s Electrolink paper, Electrification and level boarding would shorten trips on the Antelope Valley Line by 18 minutes and the San Bernardino Line by 36 minutes while reducing fuel and maintenance costs.

• Electrification supports regional goals. The Antelope Valley Line will need to be electrified for California High-Speed rail, which opens up opportunities for funding. An enhanced infrastructure financing district in LA county for high-speed rail could pay for most of the construction cost, and is currently being studied by Los Angeles County.