County transportation leaders in Fresno are beginning a study to assess the feasibility of a zero-emission regional rail system that could connect multiple communities across Fresno County. The initiative is led by the Fresno Council of Governments (Fresno COG), which will examine whether a clean-energy rail service can link Fresno with ten surrounding towns: Firebaugh, Kerman, Mendota, Reedley, San Joaquin, Fowler, Selma, Kingsburg, Sanger, and Dinuba in Tulare County.
The project is being developed with support from Deutsche Bahn, Germany’s state-owned rail operator. According to the COG, the proposed trains would operate on clean energy sources such as hydrogen power, battery power, electricity or a hybrid model. This aligns with ongoing efforts to improve air quality throughout the San Joaquin Valley.
COG representatives say that zero-emission trains provide several benefits over traditional systems. These include faster and quieter operations without producing harmful emissions. The plan also aims to use existing rail corridors where possible to reduce environmental impact during construction.
Officials see this project as an opportunity for Fresno County to address persistent air pollution issues while enhancing transportation links within the region. The new system could help connect residents with key destinations like the Fresno County Fairgrounds and Fresno Chaffee Zoo at Roeding Park. It would also serve as a connector to the high-speed rail hub currently under development in Downtown Fresno.
The study is funded through a Caltrans sustainable transportation grant. Researchers will focus on identifying station locations that maximize accessibility for commuters in each community.
Project organizers describe the envisioned service as similar to a local Amtrak line for Fresno County. They hope it will become a practical daily commuting option for people traveling between rural areas and the city of Fresno.
County officials are seeking public feedback about what features would make the new rail system most useful for residents’ needs. Progress updates will be shared via a project mailing list.
A working group kick-off meeting is planned for Wednesday, Nov. 19 from 11 a.m. to noon at COG headquarters at 2035 Tulare St.
