SBCTA’s groundbreaking Zero-Emission Multiple Unit (ZEMU) project has received national recognition, earning a prestigious Innovation Award during The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Honors ceremony held in Chicago, Illinois. The award recognizes SBCTA’s leadership in advancing clean transportation technology and its commitment to delivering innovative mobility solutions for the region.
The ZEMU project features America’s first self-powered, zero-emission passenger train that is fully compliant with Federal Railroad Administration standards. Powered by a hydrogen fuel cell and battery-electric hybrid propulsion system, the train produces only water vapor as it operates, demonstrating how innovative technologies can help create a cleaner and more sustainable future for passenger rail.
The national honor places SBCTA among an elite group of transportation agencies recognized for transforming the industry through innovation. The project was one of only three initiatives honored during the 2026 APTA TRANSform Conference, highlighting the significance of the agency’s accomplishments on a national stage.
Representing SBCTA at the awards ceremony were Carrie Schindler, Executive Director, and Joy Buenaflor, Deputy Director of Transit and Rail Programs, who accepted the award on behalf of the agency. Their participation reflected the years of vision, collaboration, and technical expertise that have helped bring the pioneering project from concept to reality.
As SBCTA continues to advance next-generation transportation solutions, the ZEMU project stands as a powerful example of how innovation developed in San Bernardino County is helping shape the future of rail travel across the United States. Through projects like ZEMU, the agency remains committed to providing safe, reliable, and environmentally responsible transportation options while positioning the region at the forefront of emerging mobility technologies.