Caltrain and Stadler seal deal for four bi-level EMU trains and battery vehicle

Caltrain and Stadler announced their partnership for the procurement of four cutting-edge bi-level Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) trains and an industry-first bi-level battery vehicle. This collaboration emerges from an option within Caltrain’s existing contract with Stadler.

Earlier this week, Caltrain shared that the California Transportation Commission greenlit the allocation of funds from CalSTA’s generous $80 million grant. This will finance a battery-equipped electric multiple unit train (BEMU) from Stadler, tailored to function in both Caltrain’s electrified and non-electrified sectors, particularly from San Jose to the non-electrified region of Gilroy.

This state-of-the-art BEMU is slated to charge using overhead power in electrified zones and switch to battery reserves in non-electrified areas, marking Caltrain’s leap towards a complete zero-emission service in the foreseeable future. The pilot plan encompasses charging between San Francisco and San Jose and transitioning to battery operation between San Jose and Gilroy.

California Secretary, Toks Omishakin, emphasized the urgency of transitioning from fossil fuels to electric power, applauding this venture for upholding California’s leadership in clean, sustainable energy.

Expressing the board’s enthusiasm, Jeff Gee, Caltrain Board Chair, remarked on the innovative hybrid electric-battery service, anticipating enhanced travel reliability and sustainability. This will allow Caltrain to spearhead zero-emission services beyond its current electrified zones.

Martin Ritter, CEO of Stadler US, celebrated the strengthened alliance with Caltrain, underscoring Stadler’s commitment to pioneering zero-emission transit solutions in the US.

Adding to their electric fleet, the Caltrain Board sanctioned the acquisition of four EMU trains from Stadler to replace older diesel variants. These additions, coupled with the BEMU demonstration, set Caltrain on course to operate over 90% of its services electrically, heralding a new era of efficient and environmentally-conscious travel for riders and communities along its route.