A proposed route for a Fresno County zero-mission rail system that would connect cities and offer a commuting option, transportation officials say. Image via COG

County transportation leaders are launching a comprehensive study to determine whether a zero-emission regional rail system could connect communities across Fresno County, potentially transforming transportation options for hundreds of thousands of Valley residents.

The Fresno Council of Governments (Fresno COG) is spearheading the feasibility study, which will examine the environmental, economic and social viability of establishing rail service linking Fresno with ten surrounding communities: Firebaugh, Kerman, Mendota, Reedley, San Joaquin, Fowler, Selma, Kingsburg, Sanger and Dinuba in neighboring Tulare County.

The proposed system would operate exclusively on clean energy — potentially using hydrogen power, battery power, electricity or a hybrid combination — aligning with air quality improvement goals throughout the San Joaquin Valley.

Consultant Deutsche Bahn — Germany’s state-owned rail operator — is working with the county on the project. 

Key benefit

Zero-emission trains offer significant advantages over traditional rail systems, including faster and quieter service with no harmful emissions, according to COG. By utilizing existing rail corridors where possible, the project aims to minimize environmental disruption during development.

For Fresno County specifically, officials see the regional rail as an opportunity to address multiple challenges simultaneously. The system could dramatically reduce air pollution in the Valley, which has long struggled with poor air quality. It would also provide critical connections to the high-speed rail hub currently under development in Downtown Fresno, creating a broader regional transportation network.

Additionally, the rail would improve accessibility to major county attractions, including the Fresno County Fairgrounds and Fresno Chaffee Zoo at Roeding Park.

Study details

The study is funded through a Caltrans sustainable transportation grant. Researchers are working to identify optimal station locations in each community, prioritizing accessibility for commuters.

This system would function like a local Amtrak for Fresno County, explained project organizers, who envision the rail as a viable daily commuting option for residents traveling between rural towns and the City of Fresno.

County officials are encouraging public engagement in the planning process, inviting residents to share input on what features would make the system most useful for their transportation needs. Updates on study progress will be available through a project mailing list.

A working group kick-off meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 19 from 11 a.m. – noon at  the COG headquarters at 2035 Tulare St.

For more information, visit the public input website.