THE operator of China’s first hydrogen-powered light rail line has suspended services due to a long-term lack of passengers, according to local media.
Gaoming Modern Rail (GMR) opened the $US 118m, 6.5km line in Foshan, southern China, in 2019, connecting the city centre with Guangzhou South railway station, and serving 10 stops.
Operated with what local officials describe as "the world's first commercially-operated hydrogen tram," the line has apparently struggled to attract passengers.
The LRVs were built by CRRC Qingdao Sifang, with Ballard supplying the hydrogen fuel cells that power them. CRRC Qingdao Sifang holds a 20% stake in GMR.
Local news outlet Yicai reports that it is unclear when or if services will restart. A statement from GMR says: "Further evaluation will help determine when the tram will resume operations."
Services were suspended just weeks before Korea announced that construction of the country’s first hydrogen-powered light rail line, in Daejeon, is due to start this autumn.
For detailed data on light rail projects across the globe, subscribe to IRJ Pro.
