TRACY, Calif. — The planned Valley Link commuter rail system, which would run from Lathrop, Calif., to Dublin/Pleasanton, will pursue the possibility of using hydrogen-powered equipment when it launches in 2027, the Modesto Bee reports.
The Valley Link board voted earlier this month to accept a report that found the alternative energy source feasible and directed its staff to continue to seek funding for a solar-powered hydrogen plant, estimated to cost $67.1 million. Some of the hydrogen created would be used by a bus service that would partner on the plant. The report is available in the agenda packet from the board’s Sept. 14 meeting
Valley Link is a proposed 42-mile, seven-station project that would run from an Altamont Corridor Express commuter rail station in Lathrop to a Bay Area Rapid Transit Station in Dublin.
Its board — the Tri-Valley – San Joaquin Valley Regional Rail Authority — so far has about $700 million in funding committed for the $1.8 billion first phase of the project, which would run from Dublin to Mountain House, serving four station. The $2 billion second phase would add stations in Tracy and Lathrop.
The article mentions building a solar powered hydrogen plant so that would be the source of hydrogen.
There is a nation wide shortage of hydrogen. So how can the authority expect to have a reliable source of hydrogen?.
Don’t forget all the local bus systems, LAVTA, TRACER, San Joaquin Regional Transit District (Stockton)
Would be a shame to actually see the Valley Link come together considering you literally got two fixed rail transit systems between BART and Ace corridor in the area. Nothing like adding a third transit agency in the mix but shouldn’t be surprised.
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Rather see the monies to help push BART extension to downtown Livermore as well as strengthen ACE with more frequency, more grade separation and better service from Tracy/Valley into South Bay. BART already electrified so you can claim your green victory on the fact that it truly gives you multiple options/sources to power it including renewables and hydrogen might very will be energy source that at some replaces Diesel (Their is good reasons why a car might be electric but why planes, trains, ships and trucks are not)
The BART board made it clear some time back that they were shelving all plans to extend beyond Dublin/Pleasanton and endorsing the Valley Link concept. Given their difficult long-term financial situation I can’t see them reversing course.
The GQP will have issues with Wind and Hydrogen, fossils in more than just fuel.