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October 2007
CONTENTS
PREFACE
Amtrak (National Railroad Passenger Corp.) Provides national intercity passenger-rail service; heavy-rail service launched in 1971
Route miles: Amtrak operates on a 21,000-mile route system in 46 states; it also owns 624.5 miles in the Northeast Corridor and in Michigan. Annual ridership: 24.3 million Annual operating cost: $500 million Annual capital cost: $500 million Number of stations: 525
For fiscal-year 2008, Amtrak’s $194 million track program includes reconstructing seven interlockings; replacing 69 turnouts; installing 101,000 concrete ties; performing 10 miles of ballast undercutting; replacing 25 track miles of rail; and installing 111,000 wood ties/timbers. The railroad’s $130.2 million structures program includes installing 267 bridge ties on five undergrade bridges; improving 25 undergrade bridges; and completing mechanical facility upgrades in Chicago, Ivy City and Philadelphia. Amtrak’s list of “special” structure projects includes the Thames Bridge (complete construction of movable span replacement); Niantic Bridge replacement (pre-construction); begin the conceptual design of the B & P Tunnel replacement; start construction of a consolidated maintenance facility and warehouse in Sunnyside Yard; replace the Portal Bridge fender system; and continue Portal Bridge replacement design. Amtrak’s $31.8 million communications & signals program calls for continuing to install light-emitting diode (LED) on Mid-Atlantic and New York divisions; replacing 24 track miles of ABS and five miles of express signal cable; working on the remote control Leaman interlocking (the Harrisburg Line); continuing work on the Dock interlocking replacement project; completing air to electric switch conversion (Harrison Street in Chicago); upgrading six interlockings; continuing to upgrade base radio stations to meet new FCC requirements; starting a special project to replace the Philadelphia centralized traffic control facility. The railroad’s $62.8 million electric traction program includes completing 84 miles of catenary hardware renewal; improving 24 substations; replacing or renewing 103 catenary poles; acquiring two solid-state signal machines and two transmission breakers; installing seven signal breakers; and installing 20 HVAC units at various New England Division substations. Special engine traction projects include a $22 million Hellgate Line catenary rehabilitation; a $9.6 million transmission cable replacement through the Baltimore & Potomac Tunnel; Ivy City substation construction; and Lamokin & Metuchen frequency converter upgrades to increase power generation capacity. Amtrak’s $77 million fire and life safety programs include constructing a 1st Avenue vent shaft ($37.5 million) and a Long Island City vent shaft ($28.4 million); and installing electrical actuated isolation valves and a deluge valve for the Standpipe Air monitoring system ($3.3 million). Contact: Michael Rienzi, Vice President of Procurement & Materials Management, 215-349-1190
ALASKA
Alaska Railroad Corp. (ARRC) Full-service passenger and freight railroad; service launched in 1923
Route miles: 1,914 (heavy rail) Rolling Stock: 55 locomotives (average age: 14); and 1,643 rail cars, plus four cars on order from Colorado Railcar, to be delivered in 2008-09 Annual ridership: 500,000+ Annual operating cost: $132 million Annual capital cost: $90+ million Number of stations: 7
ARRC’s current projects include a rail rehabilitation to replace rail with CWR, resurface the bed, and replace concrete and wood ties. The five-year project will cost $30+ million per year, ARRC says. The railroad also plans to complete some construction and refurbishment work on a passenger facility in Anchorage. Contact: Althea Clapp, Manager of Purchasing, 907-265-3100
Agency Profiles By State
ARIZONA
Valley Metro Rail Building light-rail line in Phoenix, scheduled to open in 2008
Route miles: 20 light rail Rolling Stock: 50 bi-directional, dual cab, double-articulated, 75 percent low-floor light-rail vehicles manufactured by Kinkisharyo, to be delivered by September 2008 Estimated annual ridership: 50,000 (by 2020) Estimated annual operating cost: $28 million Annual capital cost: $325.1 million (FY2008) Number of stations: 28
The METRO light-rail project is under construction in the cities of Phoenix, Mesa and Tempe. As of mid-summer, construction was about 60 percent complete. The 20-mile line is expected to open in December 2008. Valley Metro currently is in the bidding phase of the project’s final contract. In early 2005, METRO received a Full Funding Grant Agreement from the Federal Transit Administration. The cities of Phoenix, Tempe and Mesa also are contributing financially to the project. Contact: Joe Ramirez, Contracts and Procurement Manager 602-744-5574
CALIFORNIA
Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LA MTA) Serves as a transportation planner and coordinator, designer, builder and operator throughout a 1,433-square-mile service area. Launched light-rail service in 1990; heavy-rail service, in 1993
Route miles: 55.7 light rail; 17.4 heavy rail Rolling Stock: 125 trains, 1 to 3 cars per consist, average age 12 years; plus 51 P2550 cars on order from Ansaldobreda, to be delivered by 2009 Annual ridership: 38 million light rail; 36 million heavy rail Annual operating cost: $168 million light rail; $72 million heavy rail Annual capital cost: $81 million light rail; $53 million heavy rail Number of stations: 49 light rail; 16 heavy rail
LA MTA currently has two light-rail extensions under way: the $898 million, six-mile Metro Gold Line Eastside extension, running from Union Station to Little Tokyo, Boyle Heights and East Los Angeles (scheduled to open in mid-2009); and the $640 million, 9.6-mile Exposition extension, running between L.A. and Culver City. The authority also is installing four-quadrant gates, photo enforcement systems, active warning signs, flashing warning lights and pedestrian barriers at grade crossings. Contact: Wilbur Babb, Manager of Community Relations, Rail 213-922-4955 North County Transit District (NCTD) NCTD’s family of transit services includes Coaster commuter-rail service, which was launched in 1995; and the Sprinter light-rail line, which is scheduled to begin operations in December 2007
Route miles: 41 commuter rail; 22 light rail Rolling Stock: 7 locomotives and 28 commuter-rail cars; 12 light-rail trains, two cars per consist Annual ridership: 1.5 million (commuter rail) and 11,000 daily projected (light rail) Annual operating cost: $77.5 million (total transit district, including bus and paratransit services) Annual capital cost: $9.9 million (total transit district, including bus and paratransit services) Number of stations: 15 light rail, 8 commuter rail
The budget for the FY2008 Capital Improvement Program for Bridge and Infrastructure Replacement is $4 million. Key NCTD projects under way or scheduled to begin this year include bridge construction and reinforcements, grade-crossing upgrades and other various railroad infrastructure support projects. For a list of current project opportunities, visit http://gonctd.com/info/infoo2.html. West Coast Rail Constructors will complete the $440 million Sprinter light-rail project by December 2007. Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board/Caltrain Operates commuter-rail service between San Francisco and San Jose, with commuter-hour service to Gilroy; service launched in 1992
Route miles: 77 commuter rail Rolling Stock: 29 locomotives, average age 20 years; 110 rail cars, average age 20 years Annual ridership: 12 million Annual operating cost: $88 million Annual capital cost: $62 million Number of stations: 29
Caltrain currently is conducting seismic upgrades and bridge replacements; upgrading Burlingame, California Avenue and Santa Clara stations to eliminate the “hold-out” rule and make stations fully accessible, with new outside platforms and signalized pedestrian crossings between them; installing heavy-duty fencing along areas of its right-of-way to dissuade and impede trespassers; upgrading its main station at Palo Alto to improve accessibility, including adding a refurbished pedestrian underpass and new outside boarding platforms; installing an on-site fueling station at its new maintenance facility; and upgrading its wide spectrum radio communications network. The agency also plans to upgrade its South San Francisco station to eliminate the hold-out rule and make it fully accessible, upgrade several grade crossings in the city of San Mateo, and install a new microwave system to support signal communications. Caltrain currently is 35 percent done with the design phase of its electrification project, which would enable the agency to operate electric trains between San Francisco and San Jose by 2016. The agency hopes to operate non-Federal Railroad Administration compliant Electric Multiple Units, as well as FRA-compliant trains along its right of way. Caltrain currently is in discussion with the FRA to obtain waivers to operate the mixed-use traffic. Contact: Marian Lee-Skowronek, Director of Planning 650-508-7843 Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) Operates light rail and bus service
Route miles: 37 light rail, launched in 1987 Rolling Stock: 76 light-rail trains with 4 cars per consist; average age 13 years Annual ridership: 14.5 million Annual operating cost: $47.7 million (FY2007) Number of stations: 45
SacRT recently completed a 0.6-mile light-rail extension to the Sacramento Valley Station as part of the Amtrak/Folsom Corridor Project. The Amtrak/Folsom Corridor Project connects the Amtrak Depot and Capitol Corridor Regional Rail with the cities of Sacramento, Rancho Cordova and Folsom. The project will add 6,000 daily passengers, SacRT estimates. In first-quarter 2008, SacRT likely will put the Northeast Corridor Project (NEC) out for bid. The project will include double-tracking portions of the original light-rail line; relocating/realigning track segments; constructing the second half of an existing light-rail station; installing/constructing new OCS, signaling and traction power facilities; and constructing/improving storage track facilities. Contact: Fernando Barcena, Senior Procurement and DBE Administrator, 916-321-3874 San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission /Altamont Commuter Express (ACE) Operates passenger-rail service between San Joaquin, Alameda and Santa Clara Counties; service launched in 1998
Route miles: 86 commuter rail Rolling Stock: 6 locomotives, average age 7 years; 24 rail cars, average age 7 years Annual ridership: 712,000 Annual operating cost: $15.7 million Annual capital cost: $30 million Number of stations: 10
During the next year, ACE plans to begin an $11.5 million signal upgrade project between Fremont and Stockton, and begin constructing a $32 million passenger-rail equipment maintenance facility. Contact: Thomas Reeves, Strategic Development and Communications 209-944-6242 Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) A special district responsible for light-rail, bus and paratransit operations; congestion management; highway improvement projects; and county-wide transportation planning in the Silicon Valley.
Route miles: 42.2 light-rail, launched in 1987 Rolling Stock: 100 light-rail trains with 1 to 3 cars per consist, average age 4 years Annual ridership: 10.3 million in FY2007 (preliminary) Annual operating cost: $54 million (FY2006) Annual capital cost: $171.5 million Number of stations: 62
VTA’s Capitol Expressway Light Rail Extension is in the final design phase; there will be $81 million allocated for it in the current two-year budget, VTA says. Also, $58 million has been allocated for Caltrain South County Improvements, including double-tracking eight miles of Union Pacific Railroad track. Other projects include preliminary engineering for the $9 million, 1.5-mile Vasona Light Rail Extension; the $20 million final phase of the Guadalupe Platform Retrofit, which includes raising existing platforms to accommodate level boarding with low-floor vehicles; and a $3.4 million rail rehabilitation/replacement program (replacing girder rail with T-rail). Contact: Samuel Lau, Deputy Director of Operations, 408-321-7004 Southern California Regional Rail Authority (Metrolink) A joint powers authority that has operated commuter-rail service in southern California since 1992
Route miles: 512 Rolling Stock: 39 locomotives (with 15 on order) and 155 commuter-rail cars (with 107 on order) Annual ridership: 11.5 million (FY2006-07) Annual operating cost: $134.8 million (FY2006-07) Annual capital cost: $355.8 million (FY2006-07) Number of stations: 54 (as of 2006)
In August, the Southern California Regional Rail Authority exercised a two-year option on a contract with J.L. Patterson & Associates Inc. to provide on-call engineering services for the Metrolink commuter-rail system. The option will extend the pact to Sept. 10, 2009, and bring the contract’s total potential value to $17 million.
COLORADO
Regional Transportation District of Denver (RTD) Operates public transportation service in an eight-county service area; light-rail service launched in 1994
Route miles: 40 light rail Rolling Stock: 83 light-rail trains, three cars per consist, average age 5 years; plus 34 SD-160 light-rail vehicles on order from Siemens, to be delivered between 2008 and 2009 Annual ridership: 11.3 million (2006) Annual operating cost: $25.8 million (2007) Annual capital cost: $6.6 million (2007, light-rail only, excluding costs for TREX and FasTracks projects) Number of stations: 36
RTD is two-and-a-half years into the process of building the FasTracks project, a $6.2 billion, 12-year program that calls for building 119 miles of new commuter- and light-rail lines and 21,000 new parking spaces at rail and bus stations; renovating Denver Union Station into a multi-modal transportation hub; and providing expanded bus service. Contact: Scott Reed, Assistant General Manager of Public Affairs 303-299-2137
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) Operates rail and bus service in D.C., Virginia and Maryland. Launched rail service in 1976
Route miles: 106.1 heavy rail Rolling Stock: 1,006 rail cars, average age 19 years, with 4 to 8 cars per consist; 184 cars on order from Alstom Transportation Inc., to be delivered through early 2008 (118 of which had been received through August 2007). Annual ridership: 207.9 million Annual operating cost: $1.2 billion (FY2008) Annual capital cost: $731 million (FY2008) Number of stations: 86
In FY2008, WMATA’s Track and Structures and Systems Maintenance Department will conduct renewal of mainline switches; and replace wood ties, rail fasteners/tie plates, running rail (a combination of continuous-welded rail and stick rail) and 3rd rail heater tape. WMATA also plans to continue to rehabilitate its older rail cars, escalators and elevators. And as part of the agency’s six-year, $1.5 billion Metro Matters Funding Program, WMATA plans to modify and/or expand the Brentwood, Shady Grove and Greenbelt rail yards; and upgrade traction power substations and the automatic train control systems (through precision stopping) to support new rail cars and eight-car train operations. Meanwhile, the agency continues to work on $16 million worth of station enhancements at the Navy Yard Metrorail station to coincide with the opening of the Washington Nationals’ baseball stadium in April 2008.
FLORIDA
Miami-Dade Transit Operates Metrorail, Metrobus, Metromover and paratransit service in Miami-Dade County
Route miles: 23.5 heavy rail (service launched in 1984); 4.4 light rail (launched in 1986) Rolling Stock: 136 rail cars, average age 24 years Annual ridership: 17 million heavy rail; light rail total not available Annual operating cost: $69.4 million (heavy rail) Annual capital cost: $6.8 million (heavy rail) Number of stations: 22
Miami-Dade Transit’s Orange Line project calls for the construction of 22 additional rail miles by 2016. Construction on the first $523 million, 2.4-mile segment to the Miami Intermodal Center (adjacent to Miami International Airport) is expected to begin in late 2008, with completion slated for 2011. The $1.372 billion second segment — 9.5 miles to the Broward County line — is scheduled for completion in 2014. The final $2.281 billion, 10.1-mile segment, to be completed in 2016, will extend Metrorail to the west along State Road 836 to Florida International University's Tamiami campus. In addition, Miami-Dade Transit will rehab or replace all 136 Metrorail cars at a cost of $318.6 million by 2013. South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (SFRTA) Operates Tri-Rail commuter-rail system; service launched in 1989
Route miles: 72 commuter rail Rolling Stock: 12 locomotives, average age 21.9 years; 26 rail cars, average age 16.9 years, plus 2 cars on order Annual ridership: 3.2 million Annual operating cost: $57 million Annual capital cost: $21 million Number of stations: 18 Contact: Chris Bross, Director of Contracts and Procurement, 954-788-7911
GEORGIA
Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) Launched heavy-rail service in 1979
Route miles: 48.1 heavy rail Rolling Stock: 2 locomotives and 338 rail cars (average rail-car age is 15 years) Annual ridership: 77.7 million Annual operating cost: $26.3 million (rail-car maintenance); $23.2 million (rail transportation) Annual capital cost: $157.4 million Number of stations: 38
MARTA continues to complete work on its $80 million track upgrade and maintenance program. The agency also continues to overhaul all 238 of its “first- and second-generation cars” to a “near new condition,” the agency says, adding that Alstom Transport Inc. is performing the overhauls, which range from wheel replacement to car interior rehabilitation. Other systems, such as axles, brakes, propulsion, power, train control and communications, are being replaced with state-of-the-art designs and equipment, MARTA says. The work, which began in March 2005, should be completed this year. Meanwhile, MARTA recently completed a $32.5 million conversion to the Breeze smart card fare-collection system. The conversion included replacing all token machines and turnstile gates in rail stations with six-foot, Plexiglas entry gates; interactive Breeze Vending Machines; “tap-and-go” card readers on entry gates, buses and paratransit vehicles; and a state-of-the-art computer system that “links everything together,” MARTA says. In addition to boosting fare-gate reliability and the revenue collection process, the new system will help MARTA track ridership patterns to determine when and where its customers are traveling – which, in turn, will allow for better service planning, the agency says. Contact: Contract Control Office, 404-848-4193 or 404-848-5580
ILLINOIS
Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Provides rail and bus service to the city of Chicago and 40 suburbs
Route miles: 222.6 heavy rail; service launched in 1892 Rolling Stock: 4 locomotives, average age 24 years; 1,190 rail cars, average age 23.7 years; 406 cars on order from Bombardier Transportation, with additional options that could bring the total purchase to 706 cars. Prototypes are scheduled to be delivered in 2009 Annual ridership: 195.2 million (2006) Annual operating cost: $1.1 billion (2006) Annual capital cost: $227.3 million (2006) Number of stations: 144
CTA continues to work on the $530 million Brown Line Capacity Expansion Project, which includes lengthening station platforms to accommodate eight-car rather than six-car trains, rehabilitating 18 stations to make them ADA accessible, and upgrading or replacing traction power, signal and communication equipment. The project, which began in 2004, is expected to be completed in December 2009. Contractors include FHP Tectonics, James McHugh Construction Co. and an Aldridge-Mass joint venture. Work also continues on the $87 million Red Line Howard Street Terminal project, which includes reconstructing the station and platform areas to make them ADA accessible and performing track upgrades at Howard station. CTA also will upgrade the communications, electrical and lighting systems; and install new benches, signs, bike racks, wind breaks and canopies. The authority also will rehabilitate the existing Howard Street viaduct and the retail space on Howard Street’s north side, and create a new entrance at the station’s south end. The project, which began in spring 2006, is expected to conclude in 2009. James McHugh Construction serves as general contractor. Meanwhile, work continues on the “Block 37” project, which includes connecting tunnels and tracks that’ll link the Red and Blue Line subways and connect them to a planned rapid transit station under development. The project will include modifications to the State Street and Dearborn Street subway platforms for installation of connecting track and the replacement of rail ties on adjacent Blue and Red Line track. Using a technique called “cut and cover,” the contractor will build two connecting tunnels and tracks linking the existing Red and Blue Line subway tunnels with the new transit subway station. CTA also plans to modify the fare control areas in the Red Line subway; modify the continuous platforms to connect them to the new transit station; and replace about 17,700 rail half-ties in both subway tunnels. Joseph Freed and Associates is completing the site development work on the project, which is scheduled to be complete in fall 2008. Contact: Reginald Lovelace, Vice President of Purchasing/Warehousing, 312-681-2400 Northeast Illinois Regional Commuter Railroad Corp. (Metra) Operates commuter-rail service in Chicago and northeast Illinois; Metra took over service in 1982 (actual commuter service began “as early as 1856,” the agency says)
Route miles: 564.8 commuter rail Rolling Stock: 144 locomotives, 1,090 rail cars Annual ridership: 85.9 million Annual operating cost: $554 million Annual capital cost: $231.4 million Number of stations: 250
INDIANA
Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (NICTD) Provides commuter-rail service between South Bend, Ind., and Chicago; service launched in 1908
Route miles: 90 commuter rail Rolling Stock: 1 locomotive, 68 rail cars, average age 19.8 years; plus 14 EMU-gallery cars on order from Nippon Sharyo, to be delivered in 2009 ($47.6 million) Annual ridership: 4.2 million Annual operating cost: $32 million Annual capital cost: $12 million Number of stations: 13
During the next year, NICTD will complete the first phase of a catenary renewal project between Gary and Kensington ($20.7 million). This fall, the agency will award a contract for the project’s $15.4 million second phase between Michigan City and Gary.
LOUISIANA
New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (NORTA) Operates three streetcar lines and bus service; streetcar service launched in 1923.
Route miles: St. Charles Line, 13.2 miles; Canal line, 11.8 miles; Riverfront line, 1.8 miles (as of 2006)
In late 2006, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) approved a $13.6 million grant to help cover the agency’s operating costs while it rebuilt portions of its Hurricane Katrina-damaged trolley system. Through an emergency provision in the FTA’s rules, NORTA can obtain federal funding without providing local matching dollars. The agency also won’t be required to meet federal regulations that prohibit transit providers from using capital funds for operating expenses.
MARYLAND
Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) Provides light rail, subway, commuter-rail, bus and paratransit service throughout the state of Maryland
Route miles (as of 2006): 28.8 light rail (service launched in 1992); 14.7 heavy rail (service launched in 1983); 200.2 commuter rail (service launched in 1983) Rolling Stock (as of 2006): 35 locomotives and 122 rail cars Annual ridership (as of 2006): 4.9 million light rail, 12.9 million heavy rail, 6.9 million commuter rail
In July, Bombardier Transportation announced it won a $14 million contract from Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) to refurbish and overhaul 34 MARC IIB push-pull commuter-rail cars. The contract scope covers carbodies, trucks, HVAC equipment, brakes, door controls, and other systems and components. The project also includes adding new bike racks. The cars, which run on the MTA network between Baltimore and Washington, D.C., are scheduled to be back in service by 2010.
MINNESOTA
Metro Transit Operates bus and Hiawatha light-rail service in the Twin Cities; light-rail service launched in 2004
Route miles (as of 2006): 12 light rail Rolling stock (as of 2006): 27 cars Annual ridership (as of 2006): 7.9 million Number of stations (as of 2006): 17 Northstar Commuter Rail A Minneapolis-to-Big Lake “new start” currently under construction Route miles planned: 40.1 commuter rail, with service expected to begin in 2009 Planned rolling Stock: 4 locomotives (remanufactured) have been ordered, the first of which will be delivered in October 2008; and 17 rail cars (new); two light-rail vehicles, with two cars per consist placed in late fall, with expected delivery of August 2009 Estimated annual ridership: More than 2 million (commuter rail) Estimated annual operating cost: $11 million to $14 million (commuter rail) Estimated total capital cost: $35 million (light rail) and $285 million to build (commuter rail) Number of stations planned: 5
The $320 million Northstar Commuter Rail Project is a 40.1-mile commuter-rail line from downtown Minneapolis northwest to Big Lake, Minnesota. It includes a four-block extension of the Hiawatha LRT line in downtown Minneapolis. Twelve weekday commuter rail trains (each with four bi-level passenger cars) will serve five stations on the existing BNSF freight rail line. In addition, three roundtrip trains will run each weekend day. Construction is underway for the four-block extension of Hiawatha LRT in downtown Minneapolis, with Graham Penn serving as contractor. Construction also is under way for the vehicle maintenance facility in Big Lake; Morcon serves as contractor. When the Full Funding Grant Agreement is received later this year, bids will be awarded for passenger cars and the construction of five stations, Northstar says. The plan is to be operational by late 2009. Contact: Tim Yantos, Project Director, 763-323-5692
MISSOURI
St. Louis Metro Operates MetroLink light-rail service; service launched in 1993
Route miles: 46 Rolling Stock: 87 light-rail trains, 2 cars per consist, average age 8 years Annual ridership: 21.8 million Annual operating cost: $61.7 million Annual capital cost: $90.1 million Number of stations: 37
No major capital projects currently under way. Contact: Scott Grott, Acting Senior Vice
President of Engineering & New Systems Development, 314-982-1400
NEW JERSEY
New Jersey Transit Provides statewide public transit service on light- and commuter-rail lines, as well as bus service.
Route miles: 118 light rail, service launched in 2000; 951 commuter rail, service launched in 1983 Annual ridership: 19 million for light rail (FY2007); 73 million commuter rail (FY2007) Number of stations: 60 light rail, 160 commuter rail Annual operating budget: $1.6 billion (FY2008) Annual capital budget: $1.3 billion (FY2008)
NJ Transit’s FY2007 capital budget directs $283 million to state-of-good-repair projects for bus, rail and light rail systems, including $47 million toward the purchase of 1,171 new buses; and $100 million to advance the Access to the Region’s Core (ARC) project. Specifically, the capital program includes $100 million for ARC and funding for planning, engineering or construction of such expansion projects as the Northern Branch, Hudson-Bergen Light Rail extension, South Jersey/PATCO extension, Passaic-Bergen Rail project, MOM and Lackawanna Cutoff: $85 million for track and bridge improvements, including replacing 13 miles of NJ Transit’s 536 track miles and replacing 53,000 main line track ties; $82 million in bus and light-rail infrastructure and equipment, including $7 million for bus on-board fare-collection improvements and $2 million for Newark Light Rail infrastructure improvements; $57 million for rail station improvements including 31st Street New York Penn Station, Trenton Station and Metropark Station; $22 million for the Portal Bridge replacement project; and $3 million for additional parking at South Amboy Station and Edison Station Park & Ride. Port Authority Transit Corp. (PATCO) Rapid-transit line from Center City Philadelphia to Lindenwold, N.J.
Route miles: 14.5 heavy rail launched in 1969 Rolling Stock: 121 rail cars, average age 35 years Annual ridership: 9.4 million Annual operating cost: $37.8 million (includes capital cost) Number of stations: 13
Major rail-related capital projects under away include interlocking replacement ($22 million) and implementation of a new fare collection system ($13.5 million). PATCO also plans to spend $180 million to remanufacture rail cars from 2007 through 2012.
NEW MEXICO
Mid-Region Council of Governments (Rail Runner Express) Provides commuter-rail service between Albuquerque and Bernalillo (46 miles), and Albuquerque and Los Lunas (20.6 miles)
Rolling Stock: 5 diesel-electric locomotives built by Motive Power Inc.; 10 bi-level cars built by Bombardier Transportation Number of stations: 7 (as of April 2007)
The New Mexico Department of Transportation and Mid-Region Council of Governments opened the line’s initial Albuquerque-to-Bernalillo segment on July 17, 2006. The remainder of the Belen-to-Bernalillo line opened in phases, the last of which entered service in March. The commuter-rail line currently averages 2,500 commuters daily. The agencies are working to extend service another 50 miles north to Santa Fe by 2008’s end.
NEW YORK
MTA Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) Launched commuter-rail service in 1834
Route miles: 319 commuter rail Rolling Stock: 44 locomotives, average age 8 years; 1,180 rail cars, average age 15 years Annual ridership: 82 million (2006) Annual operating cost: $1.4 billion (2006) Annual capital cost: $600 million (2006) Number of stations: 124
The LIRR’s Atlantic Terminal Improvements Project includes construction of a new transit entry area and a street-level pavilion with an enlarged LIRR concourse; new customer service area; police facility; LIRR operations facilities; employee facilities; concession; platform enhancements; public address system; and ventilation. The $117.4 million project, which began in 2002, is scheduled to be completed in January 2008. Consultants/contractors on the project include diDomenico and Partners/Parsons Brinckerhoff; Forest City Ratner; Arena Construction Co.; AdTech Enterprises; Egg Electric; Eldor/Villafane Electric; and Stonewall Contracting Corp. The $47.3 million ACL Direct Fixation Fastener Replacement Program includes the installation of new direct-fixation track fasteners on the Amityville, Copiague, and Lindenhurst Viaducts. Concrete plinth and viaduct repairs also are included in the project, which began in September and is slated for completion by December 2010. Major Consultants/contractors on the project include Parsons Brinckerhoff and Advanced Track Products. The scope of work on the $16 million Seaford Station rehab project includes replacement of the platform concrete slabs and repair of the supporting grade beams; installation of a new platform canopy; tactile warning strips; new ADA compliant passenger elevator; replacement of stairways and handrails; new windscreens and parapet walls; and replacement of the existing escalator. Jacobs Engineering serves as contractor on the project, which began in September and is scheduled for a May 2009 completion. LIRR also plans to build a new maintenance-of-way facility in Upper Holban Yard. The $8.8 million project includes construction of a steel building extension that would be attached to the existing facility, with new concrete foundations and two new tracks to support the servicing of track equipment; new heating and ventilation; interior lighting; roll up doors; and a 50-ton overhead crane. Managed by HDR/Daniel Frankfurt, the project is scheduled to begin in January 2008 and be completed in September 2009. Meanwhile, the railroad continues work on a long-term “shop reconfiguration” project as part of LIRR’s Life Cycle Maintenance Program. The $43 million project involves design and construction of shop improvements at the Hillside Maintenance Complex, West Side Shop, Richmond Hill Shop and Morris Park. The idea: provide the fixed facilities and specialized shop equipment needed to service the new M-7 fleet, as well as the newer technology C-3 and DE/DM rolling stock. The project, which began in June 2006, is scheduled to be completed in fourth-quarter 2011. Gannett Fleming Inc. serves as contractor. Also under way is Phase II of the Long Island City Yard Improvements program. The current project calls for the removal of six yard tracks remediation of petroleum-contaminated soil; and the construction of five new tracks; and the construction of passenger and service cleaning platforms; fueling facilities; and roadways and walkways. The $16.9 million project, which began in May 2006, is scheduled to be completed in June 2008. Consultants/contractors include Gannett Fleming and Railworks Transit Inc. Another ongoing venture — the $269 million East River Tunnel/Fire & Life Safety Ventilation Projects — also continues to progress. Current work includes the construction of ventilation plants at Long Island City, Queens, and at First Avenue and 34th Street, Manhattan, and a new LIRR DC Substation at Long Island City. The projects, which began in 2002, should be completed by first-quarter 2009. Consultants/contractors include Parsons Brinckerhoff, Granite/Halmar Construction Co. and Slattery-Skanska Inc. Another venture that’s nearing completion is the $22.5 million Richmond Hill/Morris Park Improvements project, which includes building a diesel fueling system and sanding systems at Richmond Hill and three east-end locations; and adding service inspection pits and associated facilities. The work also includes adding a new electric service, storm/sewer connections, lighting, walkways and fencing, and track re-configuration, and should be completed during the third quarter. Consultants/contractors include STV Inc. and Slattery/Skanska Inc. A project that LIRR is just about to begin is the $93.3 million Atlantic Avenue Viaduct rehabilitation. Scheduled to begin in November and be complete by April 2010, the project’s first phase includes preliminary viaduct design and construction of about half the viaduct spans. Dewberry-Goodkind Inc. is the contractor. Meanwhile, the scope of work for the $5.6 million Valley Stream Station Rehabilitation includes the construction of a new station building; improvements to the station plaza area; rehabilitation of the platform waiting room; and ancillary platform level improvements. The project, which began in August, should be completed by October 2008. HDR/Daniel Frankfurt serves as contractor. Finally, the McLaren Engineering Group is just about to start work on the $3 million Amott Drainage Culvert project, which is scheduled to begin in November and be completed by November 2008. MTA Metro-North Railroad Provides regional rail service to New York City’s northern suburbs; commuter-rail service launched under MTA in 1983
Route miles: 385 Rolling Stock: 59 locomotives, average age 12 years; 1,063 rail cars, average age 17 years; 650 light-rail trains, with 8 cars per consist (average age 17 years). Annual ridership: 76.5 million Number of stations: 121
Major capital improvement projects still to be awarded (as of August) included the Croton-Harmon Shop/Yard Rehabilitation Program, two contracts estimated at between $3 million and $5 million, and $10 million and $15 million, respectively; the Highbridge Yard Car Wash Facility, estimated at $3.6 million; Hudson Line Station Improvements, estimated at $25 million or higher; Yankee Stadium Station, estimated at $3 million to $5 million; and the acquisition of M-8 New Haven Line electric multiple unit cars, estimated at $80 million. Contact: Kathy Comer, Administrative Analyst, 212-340-3920 New York City Transit (NYCT) Provides subway, bus and paratransit service; heavy rail service launched in 1904
Route miles: 672 mainline track miles Rolling Stock: 72 locomotives, average age 28 years; 6,344 rail cars (as of July 31), with 1,280 cars on order from Alstom-Kawasaki (with phased delivery between 2006 and 2008-09) Annual ridership: 1.5 billion Annual operating cost: $2.29 billion Annual capital cost: $1.97 billion (2005-09 average) Number of stations: 468
Capital projects under way include pump room rehabs at 10 locations on the Queens Blvd. Line ($44.3 million); a station rehab at 59th St./Columbus Circle-8th Ave. ($55.4 million); middle track signalization on the Jerome Avenue Line ($49.6 million); circuit breaker house rehab at five locations ($41.5 million); tunnel lighting at 42nd-96th Sts./Broadway-7th Ave Line ($40.9 million); signal control modifications ($43.3 million); modernization of three interlockings on the 8th Ave. Line ($138.9 million); a subway tunnel rehab at 168th/Inwood-207th St./8 Ave. Line ($43.3 million); a ventilation plant rehab at West 30th St./6th Ave. Line ($93.7 million); replacement of mainline track ($161.7 million); station rehab at Jay Street/Fulton Line ($64.1 million); a new station transfer — Jay/Lawrence Streets ($65.2 million); rehab of ventilation facilities at eight locations/Archer Ave. ($75.1 million); and a station rehab at 96th St.-Broadway-7th Ave Line ($62.8 million). Future projects include exercising a contract option with Alstom/Kawasaki for 620 additional R160 subway cars; building a new station transfer at Bleecker/Broadway-Lafayette (October 2007 - $40.5 million); rehabbing the 180th St. interlocking/White Plains Road Line (October 2007 - $188.2 million); providing new tunnel lighting at Bergen Interlocking-W. 4th St./6th Ave. Line (November 2007 - $44.3 million); replacing control cable at four substations (November 2007 - $43.9 million); replacing mainline track (January 2008 - $142.9 million); installing 36 in-house track switches (January 2008 - $44.3 million); rehabbing two fan plants on the Astoria & Queens Blvd. Lines (January 2008 - $72.8 million); rehabbing the 207th St. Overhaul Shop/Phase 1 (January 2008 - $226.4 million); modernizing interlockings on the Lexington Ave.-5th Ave./Queens Blvd. Line (April 2008 - $102.7 million); installing CBTC on the Flushing Line (April 2008 - $259.7 million); completing Phase 2 of the Culver Line Viaduct Rehab (August 2008 - $109.7 million); and completing signal modification work on two interlockings on the Queens Blvd. Line (August 2008 - $135.6 million). Port Authority Trans-Hudson Corp. (PATH) A wholly owned subsidiary of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, PATH serves as a primary transit link between Manhattan and neighboring New Jersey communities. The rail line has been in operation since 1907; it became a PANYNJ subsidiary in 1962.
Route miles: 13.8 heavy rail Rolling Stock: 327 rail cars, average age 34.5 years; 340 new PA-5 cars on order from Kawasaki, to be delivered between 2008 and 2011 Annual ridership: 71 million (2007, projected) Annual operating cost: $491.3 million Annual capital cost: $115 million (2007); $165 million (2008); $2 billion (projected, 2007-2017) Number of stations: 13
PATH is in the process of procuring a new fleet of cars. The agency also will implement a new signal/control system to improve capacity, headway and reliability. The Railcar and Signal Program is composed of several projects with interconnected elements — purchasing new rail cars, a new signal system and a wheel-truing machine, and upgrading mechanical and electrical shops to maintain the new fleet. The agency also will design and install a new car-borne and wayside Automatic Train Control System. PATH also plans to implement a state-of-the-at comprehensive signage program and is in the process of implementing a new fare-collection system compatible with other regional agencies. Contact: Dennis Kopik, Procurement Contract Manager 212-435-3931
NORTH CAROLINA
Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) Constructing a light-rail line in downtown Charlotte, scheduled to open in November 2007
Route miles: 9.6 light rail Rolling Stock: 16 light-rail trains purchased from Siemens Transportation Systems Estimated annual ridership: 3.6 million (FY2009) Estimated annual operating cost: $12.2 million (FY2009) Estimated annual capital cost: $10.5 million (FY2009) Number of stations: 15
CATS is constructing a 9.6-mile double-tracked light-rail line between downtown Charlotte and I-485. The $462.7 million project is being funded by a Full Funding Grant Agreement (43 percent), state dollars (23 percent) and local funds (34 percent). All contracts have been awarded. Contractors include Archer Western (roadbed/bridges/track and station finishes), Mass/Aldridge joint venture (traction power, signals and communications), Crowder Construction (I-485 parking garage) and Ascom (ticket vending machines). Contact: David Leard, Senior Project Manager, 704-336-7999
OHIO
Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA) Launched light-rail service in 1920; heavy-rail service in 1955
Route miles: 26.2 light rail; 38.6 heavy rail (as of 2006) Annual ridership: 2.9 million (light rail); 5.5 million (heavy rail) Annual operating cost: $17 million (light rail); $17 million (heavy rail) Annual capital cost: $117 million (light and heavy rail combined) Number of stations: 34 (light rail) and 18 (heavy rail)
Capital projects either under way or planned include the continuation of the Blue Line Track Rehab project and “State of Good Repair” Program for the entire rail system, including a rail grinding program, and track geometry and ultrasonic testing; and completing preliminary engineering work and design for the rehabilitation of the Red Line Hopkins Airport Station Tunnel and the Red Line “S” Curve Rehab between West Boulevard-Cudell and West 117th Street Stations. Contact: Frank Polivka, Director of Procurement
OREGON
Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon (TriMet) Launched light-rail service in 1986
Route miles: 44 light rail Rolling Stock: 105 light-rail cars, plus 21 on order from Siemens, to be delivered between 2008 and 2009 Annual ridership: 34 million Number of stations: 64
In February 2007, TriMet launched construction on the 8.3-mile, $557.4 million I-205/Portland Mall MAX light-rail line, which calls for adding light-rail service from Gateway Transit Center and Clackamas Town Center, and in downtown Portland along the Mall on 5th and 6th avenues between Union Station and Portland State University. Major contractors include a Stacy Witbeck/Kiewit Pacific joint venture and South Corridor Constructors. Construction is scheduled to be complete in September 2009. The agency also is conducting a Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement for a 6.5-mile light-rail extension between Portland and Milwaukie. If approved, the line could be built by 2015. TriMet is in the midst of constructing the $117.3 million, 14.7-mile Washington County commuter-rail line, which will run along existing freight tracks in the I-5/Highway 217 corridor. Service is scheduled to launch in September 2008.
PENNSYLVANIA
Port Authority of Allegheny County Operates light-rail, bus and inclined plane service in Pittsburgh; light-rail service launched in 1964
Route miles: 1.9 million light rail Rolling Stock: 83 light-rail trains, 1 car per consist, average age 15 years Annual ridership: 7.4 million Annual operating cost: $40.6 million Number of stations: 24
The port authority is in the midst of building the $435 million North Shore Connector, which will extend the T light-rail system 1.3 miles via tunnels under the Allegheny River to the North Shore. The project is under construction and expected to open in June 2011. It includes building three new stations: Gateway Center, North Side and Allegheny. The first major contract is being carried out by North Shore Constructors, a joint venture between Obayashi and Trumbell. The next contracts to be let are for the Gateway Station shell and elevated track structure on the North Shore. Contact: Keith Wargo, Director of Rail Improvement, 412-566-5171 Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) Operates light-, heavy- and commuter-rail service in Philadelphia and the surrounding region.
Route miles (FY2006): 56.1 light rail (service launched in 1893); 24.1 heavy rail (launched in 1907); 292 commuter rail (launched in 1832) Rolling Stock: 185 light-rail vehicles (FY2007); 343 subway-elevated vehicles (FY2007); 349 regional rail vehicles (FY2007) Annual ridership: 301 million (FY2007) Annual operating budget: $129 million Number of stations: 53 (light rail); 52 (subway-elevated); 22 (high-speed rail); 153 (regional rail)
In September, SEPTA awarded Union Switch & Signal Inc. (US&S) the Kay Interlocking Re-Signaling Project contract. Terms weren’t disclosed. To be completed in October 2008, the project features a new five-track interlocking design and interfaces with the SEPTA West Interlocking to the east and Amtrak Zoo Interlocking to the west. The system will provide fully protected, bi-directional operation on all tracks. In April, the SEPTA board approved purchasing 16 Silverliner V regional rail cars. The authority will exercise an option on a March 2006 contract with United Transit Systems L.L.C., a consortium comprising Sojitz Corp. of America and Rotem Co., under which SEPTA purchased 104 vehicles. The $29.8 million option will bring the total contract value to $274.1 million. The Delaware Transportation Corp., which has an operating agreement with SEPTA for regional rail service in Delaware, will purchase four of the cars. The vehicles will feature larger windows, wider aisles, a state-of-the-art climate control system, and interior and exterior electronic signs. United Transit Systems expects to deliver three pilot cars in December 2008. As the cars are delivered, SEPTA will retire 73 Silverliner II and III cars, which have been in operation since the 1960s.
TENNESSEE
Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) Launched Music City Star commuter-rail service in the Nashville, Tenn., area in 2006
Route miles: 32 commuter rail Rolling Stock: 3 locomotives, 9 rail cars, average age 40 years Annual ridership: 120,000 Annual operating cost: $3.7 million Number of stations: 6
During the next two years, RTA plans to add a second passing siding and build a permanent station in Martha. Contact: Stevi Griffin, Marketing Assistant, 615-880-3907
TEXAS
Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) Provides rail, bus, paratransit and rideshare services for 13 north Texas cities; light-rail service launched in 1996
Route miles: 45 light rail Rolling Stock: 115 light-rail trains, 1 to 3 cars per consist Annual ridership: 18.6 million trips Annual operating cost: $72.9 million Annual capital cost: $490.8 million Number of stations: 35
DART is continuing construction on a light-rail expansion that will connect southeast, downtown and northwest Dallas with the cities of Carrollton, Farmers Branch and Irving. The multi-billion-dollar expansion will more than double the agency’s light-rail system by 2013. Contact: John Adler, Vice President of Procurement, 214-749-2573 Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas (METRO) Operates light-rail and bus service in the Houston area
Route miles: 7.5 light rail, service launched in 2004 Rolling Stock: 18 light-rail trains Annual ridership: 11.3 million (FY2006) Annual operating cost: $14.7 million Number of stations: 16
Major rail-related capital projects under way include a $1.8 million traction power pull box upgrade, which involves installing a racking system to support cables and is scheduled to be completed in 2008 [contractors: KBR (JOC contractor)] and in-house staff; a $6.7 million bar signal bypass indication project, which involves installing a system to detect, record and make notification of trains that overrun bar signal locations, and is scheduled to conclude in 2009 (contractor: Siemens Transportation Systems); design and implement integration of TWC summary alarms into existing VICOS system, a $2.3 million project scheduled to be completed in 2008 (contractor: Siemens Transportation Systems); design and install yard signaling, a $200,000 project scheduled to be completed in 2008 (design contractor: Rochester Signal; installation contractor to be determined); and a $400,000 project to install permanent wiring to connect the emergency generator to a main distribution board via transfer switch at a rail facility, which will be completed in 2007 [contractor: KBR (JOC contractor)]. Trinity Railway Express Commuter-rail service connecting downtown Dallas and Fort Worth, as well as DFW International Airport, jointly owned by the Fort Worth Transportation Authority and DART; service launched in 1996
Route miles: 35 commuter rail Rolling Stock: 6 locomotives, average age 12 years; 17 rail cars, average age 13 years Annual ridership: 2.4 million Annual operating cost: $20.9 million Annual capital cost: $59.4 million Number of stations: 10
No major capital projects under way. Contact: Bill Farquhar, Chief Operating Officer, 972-399-1948
UTAH
Utah Transit Authority (UTA) Operates light-rail and bus service, and is building a commuter-rail line
Route miles: 19 light rail, service launched in 1999 Rolling Stock: 51 light-rail trains with 2 to 4 cars per consist (as of 2006) Annual ridership: 13 million (2006)
On Aug. 22, the Utah Transit Authority (UTA) issued a Draft Environmental Study Report for the proposed Provo-to-Salt Lake City FrontRunner “Commuter Rail South” project. Construction on the 45-mile line could begin next year and be operational by 2012, UTA officials say. FrontRunner’s first phase — the 44-mile “Commuter Rail North” project — is currently under construction and will run from Salt Lake to Pleasant View.
CANADA
Calgary Transit Operates light-rail and bus service throughout the Calgary region; light-rail service launched in 1982
Route miles: 32 light rail Rolling Stock: 133 light-rail trains, 3 cars per consist, average age 17 years; plus 23 SD-160 vehicles on order from Siemens, to be delivered by February 2008 Annual ridership: 90 million Annual operating cost: $247 million Annual capital cost: $143 million Number of stations: 36
Calgary Transit is in the midst of constructing two extensions to the main right of way and two new stations. The agency also is upgrading its traction power system to handle four-car train service within a 10-year window, and constructing a second major garage for light-rail vehicles. Greater Toronto Transit Authority (GO Transit) Provides commuter-rail and bus service in the city of Toronto and surrounding suburbs
Route miles: Seven rail lines totaling 224 route miles Rolling Stock: 45 locomotives, 415 bi-level passenger cars, 38 trainsets Annual ridership: 48 million (rail) Number of stations: 57
The agency is in the third year of the $1 billion GO Transit Rail Improvement Program (GO TRIP), an eight-year infrastructure expansion and upgrade plan funded by the federal and provincial governments, Toronto-area municipalities and GO Transit. Under GO TRIP, the agency will add and upgrade track; build and improve stations; complete three rail-to-rail and several rail-to-road separations; modernize portions of downtown Toronto's Union Station; upgrade signals and switches; and extend commuter-rail service From Bradford to Barrie. On the Lakeshore West Line, GO Transit will build third tracks between the Port Credit and Oakville stations, and Burlington Station and Bayview Junction; on the Lakeshore East Line, the agency will construct a third track between the Danforth and Scarborough stations. GO Transit also will build an underpass and improve track on the Georgetown Line; construct a layover facility and improve stations on the Milton Line; build a bridge and station, and extend track on the Bradford Line; and construct a bridge on the Stouffville Line.
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