TORONTO — The Ontario government has released its Hydrogen Rail Feasibility Study, which found that it would be feasible to build and operate electrified rail service on GO Transit and the UP Express using hydrogen-powered trains at a cost comparable to conventional electrification using overhead wires.
A Feb. 22 statement said the government is working with train manufacturers Alstom and Siemens to produce concept designs that incorporate hydrogen fuel cells into bi-level trains similar to those currently used by GO Transit. In addition, the province is issuing a request for proposals for designs for a hydrogen fuel cell-powered locomotive, which could lead to a prototype rail vehicle that would be tested on the GO rail network.
Minister of Transportation Kathryn McGarry was in Toronto to make the announcement.
The province is spending $21.3 billion to transform GO Transit from a commuter transit service to a regional rapid transit system that will include a significant electric train component, noted the statement.
Hydrogen-powered trains don’t need overhead catenary wires.
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