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October 2011
Operates intercity and high-speed rail service. Service launched in 1971.
Route miles: 21,000 intercity rail
Rolling stock: 395 locomotives and 1,510 rail cars, average age 26 years; new rail cars and locomotives currently on order (see below)
Annual ridership: 28.7 million (FY2010)
Annual operating cost: $3.7 billion
Annual capital cost: $1.3 billion
Number of stations: Serves more than 500
In FY2012, Amtrak expects to continue the Niantic River Bridge replacement project in Connecticut, as well as launch several smaller projects for the Northeast Corridor to improve high-speed rail service between New York City and Trenton, N.J.
Amtrak has received $450 million in High-Speed Intercity Passenger Rail funds to advance its next-generation high-speed rail system along a portion of the initial operating segment between Philadelphia and New York City. The program calls for upgrading rail infrastructure to support faster, more frequent service along the Northeast Corridor. Amtrak will use the federal funds to upgrade track and electrical systems along a 24-mile section in New Jersey, which will enable Amtrak to increase operating speeds from 135 mph to 160 mph. Once the railroad acquires new train sets, trains will be able to operate up to 186 mph. The project also calls for upgrading track switches at the western entrance to New York Penn Station. Pre-construction activities will be under way this year, with some construction beginning in 2012. Contracts had not been let as of press time.
In fall 2012, Amtrak plans to take delivery of 130 rail cars, including 25 sleeper cars, 25 diner cars, 55 baggage cars and 25 baggage/dormitory cars from CAF USA. And in early 2013, the railroad expects to begin taking delivery of 70 electric locomotives from Siemens Mobility that will operate on the Northeast Corridor at speeds up to 125 mph between Washington, D.C., and Boston, and 110 mph between Philadelphia and Harrisburg, Pa.
A state-owned corporation that provides passenger- and freight-rail transportation services, ARRC launched passenger-rail service in 1923.
Route miles: 467 mainline miles
Rolling stock: 51 locomotives, average age 14.6 years; 45 passenger cars, average age 38.1 years
Annual ridership: 405,135 (2010)
Annual operating cost: $140.6 million (2010)
Annual capital cost: $73.1 million (2010)
Number of stations: 10
Projects under way or soon to begin include:
Contact: C. Lee Thompson, Manager of Purchasing and Contracts 907-265-2608; thompsonl@akrr.com
Operates METRO light-rail service in the Phoenix area. Rail service launched in December 2008.
Route miles: 20 miles light rail
Rolling stock: 50 light-rail trains with 2 to 3 cars per consist, average age 5 years
Annual ridership: 12.8 million (FY2011)
Annual operating cost: $33.2 million (FY2011)
Annual capital cost: $45 million (FY2011)
Number of stations: 28
Valley Metro is designing a 3.1-mile Central Mesa light-rail extension. Construction is scheduled to begin in summer 2012 and the line is expected to open in 2016. Valley Metro also is finalizing plans for a 2.6-mile Tempe Streetcar. Design work will begin in 2012 and the streetcar could begin operating by 2016. Finally, planning is under way for an 11-mile Phoenix West extension. The line is expected to open in 2021.
Contact: Hillary Foose 602-322-4468; hfoose@metrolightrail.org
Operates rail service in the San Francisco Bay area. Heavy-rail service launched in 1972.
Route miles: 104 heavy rail
Rolling stock: 669 rail cars; 439 are 38 years old, 150 are 22 years old and 80 are 16 years old. By year's end, BART plans to contract a supplier to manufacture 1,000 cars to replace its entire fleet.
Annual ridership: 107 million trips
Annual operating cost: $634 million
Annual capital cost: $585 million
Number of stations: 44
As part of BART's systemwide earthquake safety program, construction is under way on several stations, structures and customer areas. Current projects include reinforcing elevated structures in San Francisco and Daly City (spring 2010 to late 2011), elevated structures throughout West Oakland (February 2010 to early 2012), columns at Lafayette Station (spring 2011 to spring 2012), elevated structures in Contra Costa County between Orinda and Concord stations (fall 2010 to late 2012), El Serrito Plaza Station (August 2010 to summer 2012) and the Hayward parking structure (May 2009 to August 2011). The entire earthquake safety program will cost $1.2 billion (in 2004 dollars). The 10-year project, which calls for reinforcing a total of 17 stations and 22 miles of track, is scheduled to be completed in 2014.
The agency also is constructing a 10-mile, three-station "eBART" extension to Antioch, Calif. Scheduled to be completed in 2015, the $462 million project includes procuring eight eBART diesel multiple units, with two options to purchase an additional six vehicles.
In September, BART was scheduled to begin final design and construction on the Warm Springs project, which would extend the system 5.4 miles from Fremont Station south to the Warm Springs district of Fremont. The project could include an optional station in the Irvington District if future funding is available through the city of Fremont. The corridor will be built by a Kiewit/Mass joint venture under a $299 million contract. Revenue service is targeted to start in late 2015.
Later this year, BART expects to award a contract to a rail-car supplier to manufacture 1,000 new vehicles for the agency. Proposals have been submitted by Alstom Transport, Bombardier Transportation, CAF USA Inc., China South Locomotive and Rolling Stock Corp. Ltd., and Hyundai Rotem USA Corp. The final design process for the cars will begin after a contract is awarded.
Contact: Linton Johnson, Chief Communications Officer 510-464-7139; ljohnso@bart.gov
Operates transit service in Los Angeles County. Light-rail service launched in 1990 and heavy-rail service in 1993.
Route miles: 61.7 light rail; 17.4 heavy rail
Rolling stock: 250 rail cars (104 heavy, 146 light), average age 15 years; 165 cars with 2 to 3 cars per consist on each train, average age 12 years, plus 78 light-rail cars to be ordered (see below)
Annual ridership: 49.2 million light rail; 46.4 million heavy rail (FY2011 estimate)
Annual operating cost: $150.1 million light rail; $88.7 million heavy rail (FY2009)
Annual capital cost: $348.9 million light rail; $9.6 million heavy rail (FY2009)
Number of stations: 57 light rail; 16 heavy rail
LACMTA is in the midst of the following projects: Blue Line traction substation replacement ($82 million, 2010-2013, work being done by Siemens Energy); Blue Line grade crossing rehabilitation ($11 million, 2008-2011); digital radio system replacement to comply with FCC narrow-banding regulations ($25 million, 2010-2012); visual message sign replacement for the Gold, Blue and Green lines ($8 million, 2010-2012); overhead contact wire system replacement on the Blue Line ($13 million, 2010-2013); spread-spectrum wayside worker alert system for all rail lines ($5 million, 2010-2012); relay interlocking conversions ($30 million, 2011-2014); interlocking control replacements ($4 million, 2011-2013); pedestrian control upgrades at grade crossings ($1 million, 2011-2013); lighting fixture replacement to high-efficiency, long-life LED lighting ($9 million, 2011-2015); corrosion protection system rehabilitation ($13 million, 2011-2013); and re-insulation of embedded track ($13 million, 2011-2013).
LACMTA also is finalizing an order for 78 to 235 new light-rail vehicles to use on new lines and extensions. As of press time, the contract was out for bid. Vehicles would be delivered in fall 2014.
Oversees the Caltrain commuter-rail system, which operates on the San Francisco peninsula connecting San Francisco with Gilroy, through the Silicon Valley. Service launched in 1992.
Route miles: 77.2 commuter rail
Rolling stock: 29 locomotives, average age 21 years; 118 rail cars, average age 20 years
Annual ridership: 12 million (FY2010)
Annual operating cost: $97.2 million (adopted budget for FY2010)
Annual capital cost: $82.3 million (adopted budget for FY2010)
Number of stations: 32
Caltrain is spending between $7 million and $9 million annually to rehabilitate track, signals and grade crossings along its right of way. Work includes replacing ties, rail, ballast and signal houses. The agency also is adding tracks and two new platforms — with stairs and ramps to access the existing pedestrian underpass — at San Jose Diridon Station to improve throughput in the area, which is served by several rail stations. The $35 million project is scheduled to be “substantially completed” by 2011's end. Caltrain has contracted Amoroso to complete the work. Amoroso also is adding a pedestrian underpass at Santa Clara Station. The $26 million project is scheduled to be substantially completed by 2011's end.
Under a $147 million contract, Disney Construction is building a grade separation at San Bruno Station. The project is scheduled to be completed by spring 2013. Disney Construction also is replacing the Jerrold Street railroad bridge in San Francisco. The $14 million project is scheduled to be substantially completed by 2011's end.
Caltrain has completed preliminary engineering and environmental assessments for the Quint Street railroad bridge replacement in San Francisco. Construction will cost between $20 million and $35 million, depending on the final design option selected. The agency plans to award a construction contract in the next 12 to 18 months. Meanwhile, ARINC is installing a new operating control system for the agency as part of a $10.8 million project expected to be completed in spring 2012.
At their October meeting, Caltrain board members are expected to approve a contract for a positive train control/communication-based overlay signal system installation. The project will cost more than $200 million.
Contact: Christine Dunn, Public Information Officer 650-508-6238; dunnc@samtrans.com
Operates 37.5 miles of light rail and 64 bus routes in the Sacramento region. Light-rail service launched in 1987.
Route miles: 37.5 light rail
Rolling stock: 76 light-rail vehicles, plus 21 UTDC cars, with four cars per consist, average age 17 years
Annual ridership: 12.7 million
Annual operating cost: $125 million
Annual capital cost: $38 million
Number of stations: 48
In November, RT expects to complete final design for the South Line Phase 2 light-rail project, which will extend service 4.3 miles and link the rapidly developing South Sacramento Corridor with downtown Sacramento. The project includes four stations, 2,700 park-and-ride spaces and a transit center. Construction is scheduled to begin in fall 2012. The agency also is building a one-mile Green Line extension to the River District. Construction began in 2010 and revenue service is expected to begin in January 2012.
Contact: Randy Miller, Director of Procurement Services 916-556-0160; rmiller@sacrt.com
Oversees Altamont Commuter Express (ACE) commuter-rail service, operating between San Joaquin, Alameda and Santa Clara counties. Service launched in 1998.
Route miles: 86 commuter rail
Rolling stock: 6 locomotives, average age 12 years; 32 rail cars, average age 12 years
Annual ridership: 700,000
Annual operating cost: $15.4 million
Annual capital cost: $61.3 million
Site work recently began on the $65 million ACE maintenance and layover facility in Stockton. The 121,000-square-foot building will have capacity for 12 eight-car train sets, and house maintenance operations, stores, employee common areas and administrative offices. The primary maintenance area will include a service and inspection canopy, oil/water separator building, drop table, fuel and sanding facility, three overhead cranes, a wheel-truing machine and a train washer. The project is scheduled to be completed in February 2012. Also in early 2012, ACE expects to begin the first phase of a $26 million project to extend the existing Cabral Station track and platform across Miner Avenue to connect back to the Union Pacific Railroad mainline. The second phase of the project calls for extending the tracks north to the future equipment and maintenance facility. Plans for the second phase are being reviewed by UP and the California Public Utilities Commission. ACE will prepare bid documents once the parties sign off on the plans.
ACE is working with the California High-Speed Rail Authority, to upgrade the Altamont Corridor. The agencies are conducting planning, environmental review and right-of-way acquisition for the $40 million project.
Contact: Thomas Reeves, Manager of Public Affairs and Community Relations 209-944-6242; thomas@acerail.com/p>
SCRRA operates Metrolink commuter-rail service in southern California. Service launched in 1992.
Route miles: 512 commuter rail
Rolling stock: 52 locomotives; 180 rail cars, plus 137 rail cars equipped with crash energy management technology on order from Hyundai Rotem, scheduled to be delivered by 2013
Annual ridership: 12 million
Annual operating cost: $179.6 million
Annual capital cost: $563.1 million
Number of stations: 55
SCRRA is in implementing positive train control (PTC) throughout the Metrolink system. SCRRA's goal: to implement PTC by December 2012, three years ahead of the December 2015 federal mandate, according to SCRRA. The project will cost $201 million. In addition to and along with the PTC implementation, SCRRA is replacing its computer-aided dispatching (CAD) system with a system that includes both a primary and secondary redundant backup. The authority also is constructing a new building to house the PTC, primary CAD, and communication command and control systems, and the personnel associated with operating and maintaining the system.
SCRRA is in the final design phase for a $100 million Empire Avenue grade separation project to accommodate a California Department of Transportation Interstate 5 high-occupancy vehicle lane. The grade separation includes constructing a 7,500-foot, single-track shoofly; three-track-wide raised retained railroad embankment; new railroad bridges over Buena Vista and Empire avenues; closing the San Fernando Road underpass; and constructing a new permanent main track and 7,500 feet of siding. Construction will be included as part of the Caltrans HOV construction, and SCRRA will contribute about $10 million toward the project.
To begin operating 30-minute service in Orange County, Metrolink is making $95 million worth of improvements in the Orange Subdivision. Projects include turnback facilities in Fullerton and Laguna, new control points at CP Lincoln and CP College, and improvements to several control points.
SCRRA is making $85 million worth of grade crossing improvements at 50 crossings in Orange County so cities to request quiet zones from the Federal Railroad Administration. The authority also is designing a $24 million sealed corridor project in Los Angeles County.
SCRRA is designing a canopy rehabilitation program for Los Angeles Union Station. Based on availability of funds, individual platforms will be temporarily closed and existing canopy sheet metal will be removed and replaced. Project cost is $21 million. Under a $15.5 million project, SCRRA is constructing a new Platform 7 at Los Angeles Union Station, featuring canopies, two sets of stairs and accessible ramps. The authority also is reconstructing Track 13, and constructing Tracks 14 and 15.
The agency is constructing a new track and embankment in the Antelope Valley to lengthen the existing Lang siding to 13,270 feet. The $14.2 million project will enable a 9,000-foot freight train to park for meets.
SCRRA has completed final design on a $4 million project to install intrusion detection devices in five tunnels, as well as fencing at and between tunnels. And under a $1.5 million project, SCRRA is upgrading the Central Maintenance Facility in Los Angeles. The project includes rebuilding the train wash and upgrading the diesel fuel tank monitoring system, Teletrol facility environmental control and Teletrol diesel fuel pump control.
Meanwhile, SCRRA is providing third-party design and construction project support to various cities and counties at a cost of $10 million. Current projects include a Jeffrey Road grade separation, Newport Avenue grade separation, Sand Canyon grade separation, Oso Road overpass, Main Avenue seismic retrofit, Riverside Drive bridge, Lassen Avenue grade separation and Bus Rapid Transit, Los Angeles Union Station modifications for high-speed rail, ARTIC Station in Anaheim and Metro Gold Line extension.
Operates transit services in the Denver metropolitan region. Light-rail service launched in 1994.
Route miles: 35 light rail
Rolling stock: 153 light-rail trains with 1 to 4 cars per consist; 21 SD-160 cars on order from Siemens, being delivered through 2011
Annual ridership: 19.6 million
Annual operating cost: $30 million
Annual capital cost: Not provided
Number of stations: 36
RTD is in the process of building FasTracks, which will add 120 miles of new light- and commuter-rail service throughout the Denver area. The West, East and Gold lines currently are under construction. In the next year, RTD plans to break ground on sections of the North Metro, Northwest and I-225 rail lines. FasTracks program cost is about $6.7 billion. As of press time, contracts had been bid for the West rail line, which is being built by Denver Transit Construction Group (a joint venture between Stacey Witbeck and Herzog) and The Eagle P3 project — encompassing the East Rail Line, Gold Line, a commuter-rail facility and a section of the Northwest rail line — which is being built by Denver Transit Partners, comprising Fluor Enterprises Inc. (a unit of Fluor Corp.), Denver Rail (Eagle) Holdings Inc. (a unit of John Laing plc) and Uberior Infrastructure Investments USA L.L.C. (a unit of Lloyds Banking Group). Other team members include Balfour Beatty Rail Inc., ACI, Ames Construction and HDR Inc. Other projects that will be bid in the next year include sections of the I-225 and North Metro rail lines.
Contact: Scott Reed, Assistant General Manager, Communications 303-299-2137; scott.reed@rtd-denver.com
Has operated Tri-Rail commuter-rail service in south Florida since 1989.
Route miles: 71.2 commuter rail
Rolling stock: 14 locomotives, average age 27 years; 26 rail cars, average age 21 years, plus 24 bi-level cab cars and coaches being delivered by Hyundai-Rotem
Annual ridership: 3.8 million
Annual operating cost: $68 million
Annual capital cost: $30 million
Number of stations: 18
SFRTA is building new storage tracks at Hialeah Yard. During the next year, the agency plans to launch construction on Pompano Beach station improvements and a Metrorail Transfer/79th Street Station east platform connector. In addition, the Florida Department of Transportation is building a new Miami Intermodal Center/Miami Central Station.
In July, the Federal Transit Administration issued a $178.6 million Full Funding Grant Agreement to the Florida Department of Transportation to help fund the first phase of SunRail, a 61-mile commuter-rail line that will connect downtown Orlando with Orange, Seminole, Volusia and Osceola counties. Ground-breaking for the project's first phase — a 31-mile segment between DeBary and Sand Lake Road in Orange County — is scheduled to begin this fall. The line is scheduled to open in late 2013. The line will run along existing CSX Transportation right of way, which FDOT is purchasing from CSXT for $432 million. Contractors include an Archer Western Contractors/RailWorks Corp. joint venture (final design and construction), MotivePower Inc. (locomotives) and Bombardier Transportation (coaches and cab cars).
Operates public transportation service in DeKalb and Fulton counties, and the city of Atlanta. Heavy-rail service launched in 1979.
Route miles: 48.1 heavy rail
Annual ridership: 77.2 million
Number of stations: 38
Last month, MARTA signed a contract with Alstom Signaling to overhaul train-control and rail safety systems. The $117 million project will take about five years to complete and includes two five-year options for Alstom to maintain the systems for up to 10 additional years. The new systems are expected to help MARTA improve on-time performance, enhance safety, provide real-time information and increase reliability.
Contact: Cara Hodgson 404-848-5157; chodgson@itsmarta.com
CTA provides rail and bus service to Chicago and 40 surrounding suburbs. Rail service launched in 1892.
Route miles: 224.1 heavy rail
Rolling stock: 4 locomotives, average age 26 years; 1,190 rail cars, average age 27 years; 406 rail cars on order from Bombardier Transportation, with prototypes currently being tested
Annual ridership: 210.8 million (rail only, in 2010)
Annual operating cost: $1.34 billion (2011)
Annual capital cost: $653.5 million (2011)
Number of stations: 144
By the end of this year, CTA expects to begin taking delivery of 406 new rail cars from Bombardier Transportation. Meanwhile, the Chicago Department of Transportation is building a $38.3 million in-fill station at Morgan and Lake to serve the Green and Pink lines. The ADA-accessible station will be designed to provide access to industrial and commercial districts in the West Loop area. Construction is expected to be completed in 2012. CTA and the village of Skokie are partnering to build a station on the Yellow Line in downtown Skokie. Work is scheduled to be complete in late 2011. The $20 million station will be funded with $14 million in federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality funds and $6 million from the village of Skokie.
In late 2011, the authority plans to begin the second half of the Loop track renewal project. CTA will upgrade track and structures along Wells and Van Buren streets, the Hubbard Curve, and the Tower 12 and Tower 18 junctions. The $33.8 million project also calls for replacing other rail system components, such as foot walks, traction power and signal cabling, signal panels, switch machines and rail lubricators. The project is scheduled to be completed in late 2012. In third-quarter 2011, CTA plans to complete the Howard Signal Renewal project, which involves replacing the signal and train control systems at Howard Station. The $7 million project is expected to provide faster, more reliable and more efficient service.
Contact: Marina Popovic, Vice President of Purchasing 312-681-2400; mpopovic@transitchicago.com
A division of the Maryland Department of Transportation, MTA operates Metro subway, MARC commuter-rail and local light-rail service.
Route miles: 30 light rail (launched in 1992); 15.5 heavy rail (launched in 1983); 187 commuter rail (launched in 1984)
Rolling stock: 1 locomotive, 28 years old; 100 rail cars, average age 28 years; 53 light-rail trains with 2 cars per consist, average age 19 years
Annual ridership: 8.2 million light rail; 14.3 million heavy rail; 8.1 million commuter rail
Annual operating cost: $14.48 per revenue vehicle miles light rail; $11.59 per revenue vehicle miles heavy rail; $20.83 million per revenue vehicle miles commuter rail
Annual capital cost: $10.3 million light rail; $50 million heavy rail; $75.2 million commuter rail
Number of stations: 33 light rail; 14 heavy rail; 42 commuter rail
MTA's heavy-rail division is upgrading public-address and LED notification systems, upgrading station security and improving several platforms. In the light-rail division, MTA plans to upgrade its car wash, and develop new and improved signage. In early 2012, the agency plans to begin a mid-life overhaul of its 53 light-rail vehicles, at a projected cost of $130 million over six years. MTA's commuter-rail division also is upgrading its public-address and LED notification systems, as well as repairing platforms. Later this year, MARC expects to complete a 34-car overhaul program and finish procuring 26 diesel locomotives. The agency is negotiating the purchase of 54 new bi-level commuter-rail cars, expected to cost $158.7 million, which would be delivered beginning in FY2013. In addition, MARC is slated to break ground on a $35 million maintenance and storage facility, and begin overhauling 63 multi-level vehicles with a projected cost of $33 million over the years.
Contact: Terry Owens, Chief of Media Relations 410-767-3936; TOwens2@mta.maryland.gov
An operating division of the Metropolitan Council, Metro Transit operates 90 percent of regular-route transit service in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. Light-rail service launched in 2004 and commuter-rail service launched in 2009.
Route miles: 12 light rail; 40 commuter rail
Rolling stock: 6 locomotives, average age 2 years; 18 rail cars, average age 2 years; 27 light-rail trains with two to three cars per consist, average age 7 years, plus 41 S70 low-floor light-rail vehicles on order from Siemens, $33 million, to be delivered between September 2012 and October 2013
Annual ridership: 10.5 million light rail; 710,400 commuter rail
Annual operating cost: $26.7 million light rail; $17 million commuter rail
Number of stations: 19 light rail; 6 commuter rail
In 2011, Metro Transit is spending $251.4 million on the $957 million Central Corridor light-rail project, which will link downtown St. Paul with downtown Minneapolis. Scheduled to open in 2014, the 11-mile line will serve 18 new stations and share five stations in downtown Minneapolis with the Hiawatha light-rail line. Construction is about 20 percent completed. The agency also is spending $5 million in initial seed money to cover advance preliminary engineering for a 14-mile Southwest Corridor light-rail line that would extend from downtown Minneapolis to the southwestern suburb of Eden Prairie.
Metro Transit will work with Hennepin County and other partners to improve light-rail and pedestrian amenities adjacent to Target Field. The parties plan to build a new light-rail station and plaza on the upper level of a three-tiered structure that would serve Hiawatha and future Central Corridor trains. So far, the partners have secured $12.6 million for the project. The final price tag has not yet been determined pending detailed engineering work, according to Metro Transit. The project is scheduled to be completed in 2014.
Metro Transit is in the midst of a LRV overhaul program. In 2011, the agency is spending $350,000 as the final installment for the $7.7 million program. The agency also is investing $950,000 for a LRV door overhaul program that involves 27 Bombardier vehicles.
Metro Transit is spending $8.9 million as its 2011 installment for a $17.8 million project to design and construct a Hiawatha operations and maintenance center expansion. The project calls for adding indoor train storage, expanding parts storage, increasing maintenance shop space, and adding a car lift, hoists, cranes, and geothermal heating and cooling system. The project is scheduled to be completed in 2012. The agency also is putting $6.5 million toward an $8.1 million rail support facility, and $300,000 for a LRV paint booth.
In addition, Metro Transit is spending $699,000 for the first installment of an $884,000 project to purchase automatic passenger counters for Hiawatha LRVs; $350,000 to upgrade the closed-circuit television system on the Hiawatha Line; $300,000 to purchase a mechanical track sweeper; $200,000 on miscellaneous station modifications; $100,000 to begin planning activities to replace a park-and-ride lot at Lake Street/Midtown Station; $100,000 to develop a right-of-way base map for the Hiawatha Line; and $100,000 toward a $400,000 project to install a wireless video network at Hiawatha stations to transmit real-time video of activities onboard light-rail trains to the rail control center.
Metro Transit also is investing $2.4 million in 2011 for capitalized maintenance, such as rail lubricators, rail clips, switch heaters, grade crossing upgrades, transformers and SCADA backups. The agency is spending $2.9 million for the first phase of a $4.9 million project to add two electrical power substations to the Hiawatha Line. The substations will be installed at the Target Field and Mall of America stations. Finally, Metro Transit will make $9.4 million in final payments for the Northstar commuter-rail project.
Contact: John Siqveland, Public Relations Manager 612-349-7509; john.siqveland@metc.state.mn.us
Operates commuter-rail service, which launched in 1834.
Route miles: 701 commuter rail
Rolling stock: 45 locomotives, average age 11 years; 1,006 electric rail cars, average age 10 years; 134 diesel cars, average age 12 years
Annual ridership: 81.6 million
Annual operating cost: $1.7 billion
Annual capital cost: $179 million (planned for 2011)
Number of stations: 124
LIRR is spending $55.1 million on its 2011 state-of-good-repair track program, which includes installing ties, rehabilitating grade crossings, surfacing track and switches, welding rail, renewing continuous-welded rail and conducting rail grinding. The majority of the work is being performed in-house, but LIRR has contracted Loram Maintenance of Way Inc. for some work.
LIRR continues construction on the $25.5 million Babylon train wash facility, which will houses the controls, wash room, pumps, reclaim/recycle wash water, wastewater treatment system and storage tanks for the train wash, as well as a train wash bay steel/corrugated siding structure that features precast track slab sections, concrete foundations, a wash water collection system, photovoltaic system and train wash equipment. Construction is scheduled to be completed in April 2012. Contractors include Gannett Fleming Engineers and Architects P.C. and Fortunato Sons Contracting Inc.
LIRR also continues to rehabilitate the Atlantic Avenue viaduct. Phase 2B — which began in December 2010 and is expected to be complete in February 2012 — calls for replacing the final 17 of 199 open girder-type spans of the viaduct. Also part of the $66.7 million project: rehabilitating Nostrand Avenue Station by improving the two six-car elevated side platforms, railings and canopy roofing system; replacing platform stairs and handrails; and upgrading station lighting, electrical and communication systems. Major contractors include Kiewit Constructors Inc. (design-build) and Dewberry (consultant).
Between 2009 and 2015, LIRR is spending $323.2 million to plan, design and implement a positive train control system on all mainline tracks. And in November, the railroad plans to complete a two-year, $30.2 million project to rehabilitate 8,600 linear feet of semi-gravity retaining walls adjoining abutments for six bridges and a pedestrian underpass on the Port Washington Branch. In December, the railroad plans to complete an $11.3 million Queens Boulevard track and bridge deck rehabilitation project.
LIRR is in the midst of design work for a project to build a new 12-car pocket track, replace the Colonial Road Bridge and improve right-of-way drainage in Great Neck. HNTB is designing the project under a $3 million contract. Design work began in January 2010 and is scheduled to be completed in October 2012. And in the fourth quarter, LIRR expects to issue a $2 million design contract for a Massapequa pocket track project.
Operates commuter-rail service to New York City's northern suburbs. Service launched in 1983.
Route miles: 385 commuter rail
Rolling stock: 68 locomotives; 829 electric rail cars, plus 405 more on order from Kawasaki Rail Car Inc., to be delivered in 2014; 283 coaches
Annual ridership: 81.1 million (2010); 81.6 million (2011 budget)
Annual operating cost: $1.2 billion (2010 actual); $1.3 billion (2011 budget)
Annual capital cost: $224.4 million (2011)
Number of stations: 122
In partnership with the Connecticut Department of Transportation, Metro-North is purchasing 380 M-8 electric multiple unit vehicles and 25 single-unit cars for the New Haven line. As of September, three eight-car train sets were in service.
In February 2011, Metro-North launched repairs on the Moodna and Woodbury viaducts. The Moodna viaduct project includes repairing deteriorated pier foundations and replacing several expansion bearings. The superstructure will be refurbished by replacing cracked bottom angles, and repairing stiffener angles at expansion joints and failed structural welds. The Woodbury viaduct project includes reconstructing the east abutment back wall, repairing deteriorated concrete on several pedestals supporting the superstructure, replacing expansion bearings and repairing stiffener angles at expansion joints. In addition, one of the viaduct's pier footings, located in Woodbury Creek, will be reinforced against scour by placing rip-rap against the base. Both projects are scheduled to be complete in December 2012.
Metro-North also is making improvements at four stations. In June 2009, the agency launched a $36.5 million project at Tarrytown Station that calls for demolishing and replacing both north and south overpasses, and both platforms. Scheduled to be completed in spring 2012, the project is being done by Yonkers Contractors. A $34.8 million Cortlandt parking and access improvement project is under way and slated to be completed in January 2012. An expanded overpass will house a new waiting area for passengers. The project also includes a new, rationalized intersection with a traffic signal, lighted sidewalks and landscaping. Work is being done by ECCO III. In October 2009, Metro-North began making $16.7 million worth of improvements to the Croton-Harmon and Peekskill facilities. Work is being done by ECCO III and scheduled to be completed by October 2012. The Croton-Harmon project includes replacing the roof on the north overpass and staircases, modifying the roof drainage system, painting the south overpass and staircases, improving platforms, extending a canopy, and adding new lighting, a new public-address system and variable message signing. Peekskill improvements include renovating the overpass and staircases by adding operable windows, lighting, heating and elevator upgrades. In addition, Metro-North is renovating both inbound and outbound platforms to include canopies, platform edge repairs and tactile warnings trips, platform guardrail, sighting, public address and variable message signage.
Metro-North also is conducting design work for several upcoming projects. The agency is designing cable and controls replacements for the Harlem River Lift Bridge, and studying the Grand Central Terminal train shed and Park Avenue Tunnel in anticipation of the continuation of structural repairs in the train shed. Metro-North also is designing a platform expansion at Fordham Station and a new interlocking just north of the station, and designing an upgrade for the Cos Cob West substation.
In addition, a New Haven Line signalization project is under way between Woodlawn and Greenwich, and Metro-North is designing several retaining walls for the Upper Hudson Line.
Contact: Anthony Bombace, Senior Director, Procurement and Materials Management 212-340-3055; bombace@mnr.org
Operates subway service in New York City and surrounding area; service launched in 1904.
Route miles: 227 heavy rail
Rolling stock: 72 locomotives, average age 31 years, plus 28 locomotives on order and scheduled to be delivered in December; 6,356 rail cars, average age 16 years, plus 23 rail cars on order from Kawasaki Rail Car Inc., to be delivered in October 2012
Annual ridership: 1.63 billion
Annual operating cost: $6.3 billion (for all of NYCT's operations)
Number of stations: 468
NYCT is working to provide more real-time customer information by installing countdown clocks at stations. To date, the agency has installed 167 clocks this year, working toward its goal of 177. NYCT also is continuing with station rehabilitations and has opened two new customer transfers at stations. And, the agency has begun a system-wide installation of customer help point intercoms. Cell phone service is now available at six underground stations and will be available at 30 more in the next 12 months.
On the capital construction side, NYCT is continuing work on the Second Avenue Subway, which will extend subway service from 125th Street to the Financial District; the 7 Line extension, which will extend subway service from Time Square to the Javits Center; and the Fulton Street Transit Center, a new station linking eight subway lines, and featuring an underground underground concourse to three others, as well as the Port Authority Trans-Hudson service and World Trade Center site.
Operates public transit service in the Charlotte, N.C., area. Light-rail service launched in 2007.
Route miles: 9.3 light rail
Rolling stock: 20 light-rail trains with 2 cars per consist, average age 3.5 years
Annual ridership: 4.8 million
Annual operating cost: $12 million
Annual capital cost: $3 million
Number of stations: 15
Projects under way or scheduled to begin in early 2012 include a track realignment, maintenance-of-way building, and yard safety and security improvements.
Contact: Tom Livingston, Manager of Procurement 704-432-0491; tlivingston@charlottenc.gov
Operates public transportation service in the Portland metropolitan area. Light-rail service launched in 1986; commuter-rail service launched in 2009.
Route miles: 52 light rail; 14.7 commuter rail
Rolling stock: 127 light-rail trains with two cars per consist, average age 12.46 years
Annual ridership: 41.2 million light rail; 370,000 commuter rail (FY2010)
Annual operating cost: $66.6 million light rail; $5.98 million commuter rail (FY2010)
Annual capital cost: $13.3 million light rail; $20,000 commuter rail (FY2010)
Number of stations: 85 light rail; 5 commuter rail
TriMet is constructing the 7.3-mile Portland-Milwaukie light-rail project. The $1.49 billion line features 10 stations and several structures, including the first bridge to be built in Portland over the Willamette River in more than 40 years, according to TriMet. The project is scheduled to be completed in September 2015. Contractors include: Stacy & Witbeck Inc./Mowat Construction Co., a joint venture; Stacy & Witbeck; Kiewit Infrastructure West Co.; and LTK Engineering.
Provides light rail, commuter rail (in cooperation with the Forth Worth Transportation Authority), bus, paratransit and high-occupancy vehicle services in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Light-rail service launched in 1996.
Route miles: 72 light rail
Rolling stock: 163 light-rail trains with 1 to 3 cars per consist, average age 8 years
Annual ridership: 17.8 million (FY2010)
Annual operating cost: $16.3 million (FY2010)
Annual capital cost: $619 million (FY2010)
DART is constructing the first two sections of the Orange Line, connecting northwest Dallas to the city of Irving. The first two segments are scheduled to open in 2012. DART plans to award a contract for the final section of the Orange Line, which will connect with DFW International Airport, in late 2011 or early 2012. In addition, the agency is building a five-mile extension of the Blue Line, which will run northeast to Garland and Rowlett when it opens in December 2012.
Operates light-rail service in the Houston area. Light-rail service launched in 2004.
Route miles: 7.5 miles light rail
Rolling stock: 18 light-rail trains with single and double consists, average age 7 years, plus 19 S70s on order from Siemens, to be delivered in 2012
Annual ridership: 10.6 million (FY2010)
Annual operating cost: $15.3 million (FY2010)
Number of stations: 16
METRO is building more than 30 miles of new light-rail lines and 53 stations to connect to the existing 7.5-mile Red Line. The 5.3-mile North Line, 6.6-mile Southeast Line and 3.3-mile East End Line are under construction and scheduled to open in mid-2014. The 4.7-mile Uptown Line and 11.4-mile University Line are in design.
Contact: Lloyd Welch 713-739-3890; lloyd.welch@ridemetro.org
As of press time, The T was planning to submit a New Starts funding application to the Federal Transit Administration seeking federal dollars to build TEX Rail, which would run from southwest Fort Worth, northeast to Grapevine and into the north entrance at Dallas-Fort Worth Airport. The 37-mile line would operate on existing right of way owned by Dallas Area Rapid Transit. Construction on the line could begin in 2013 and be completed in 2015. The corridor is expected to cost about $470 million (in 2008 dollars) to build.
A commuter-rail service operated by Dallas Area Rapid Transit and the Fort Worth Transportation Authority. Service launched in 1996.
Route miles: 34 commuter rail
Rolling stock: 9 locomotives, average age 18 years; 17 rail cars, average age 18 years
Annual ridership: 2.5 million
Annual operating cost: $20 million
Annual capital cost: $4.5 million
TRE is working to finish building an 8,230-foot-long double-track bridge in Irving. The project includes installing a second main track.
Operates light-rail, commuter-rail and bus service in the Salt Lake City area. Light-rail service launched in 1999; commuter-rail service launched in 2008.
Route miles: 38 light rail; 45 commuter rail
Rolling stock: 18 locomotives, average age 2 years; 63 rail cars, of which 38 are 2 years old and 25 are 39 years old and have been overhauled; 25 to 30 light-rail trains (137 vehicles) with 2 to 4 cars per consist, average age 8 years, plus 77 S70 light-rail vehicles on order from Siemens, with 68 delivered to date
Annual ridership: 13.4 million light rail; 1.5 million commuter rail
Annual operating cost: $22.7 million light rail; $14.7 million commuter rail
Annual capital cost: $5 million for light and commuter rail maintenance; 2010 capital budget (which includes new rail projects) was $403 million
Number of stations: 41 light rail; 8 commuter rail
In August, UTA opened the 10.5-mile Mid-Jordan and 5.1-mile West Valley light-rail lines. The agency is constructing the six-mile Airport light-rail line ($350 million, Stacey-Witbeck/Kiewit joint venture), 3.5-mile Draper light-rail extension ($193 million, Kiewit/Herzog/Parsons joint venture) and 44-mile FrontRunner South commuter-rail corridor ($850 million, Stacey-Witbeck/Herzog joint venture), which are scheduled to open in 2013 or 2014.
Contact: Val Todd or Gregg Larsen 801-237-1925 (Val) or 801-237-1924 (Gregg); VTodd@rideuta.com or GLarsen@rideuta.com
Sound Transit operates regional transit services in the Central Puget Sound region. Commuter-rail service launched in 2000 and light-rail service launched in 2009.
Route miles: 74 commuter rail; 16 light rail
Rolling stock: 11 locomotives, average age 9 years; 58 rail cars, average age 8 years; 62 LRVs with 2 cars per consist, average age less than 5 years
Annual ridership: 2.7 million commuter rail; 8.1 million light rail
Annual operating cost: $36 million commuter rail; $48 million light rail
Annual capital cost: $125 million commuter rail; $383 million light rail
Number of stations: 10 commuter rail; 13 light rail
As part of a project to extend Sounder commuter-rail service to South Tacoma and Lakewood, Sound Transit is conducting a $161.6 million D-to-M Streets Track and Signal Project. The project includes building new tracks between East D and South M streets, and installing train signaling systems between Tacoma and Lakewood. After the D-to-M streets portion is completed (expected in summer 2012), Sound Transit can launch service between the South Tacoma and Lakewood stations. Contractors include BERGER/ABAM and Herrera (environmental review), HDR Inc. (preliminary engineering and feasibility studies), Parsons Brinckerhoff (enhanced preliminary engineering and final design) and MidMountain Inc. (construction).
In February 2010, Sound Transit launched construction on the University Link extension, a $1.9 billion, 3.15-mile extension of the Central Link light-rail line. The corridor will run through twin-bored tunnels from downtown Seattle north to the University of Washington, with stations at Capitol Hill and the university. Contractors include: Northlink Transit Partners (final design of civil engineering and architectural construction); LTK Engineering Service (final design of systems elements); PB Americas Inc. (design management resources); START Joint Venture — CH2M Hill and Jacobs Transportation (construction management consultant); Traylor-Frontier-Kemper (tunnel boring from University of Washington station to Capitol Hill station site); JCM U-Link Joint Venture — Jay Dee, Coluccio and Michels (tunnel boring from the Capitol Hill station to the Pine Street Stub Tunnel. Contracts have yet to be let for station construction and systems. The project is scheduled to be completed in 2016.
Contact: Geoff Patrick 206-398-5313; Geoff.patrick@soundtransit.org
A division of Metrolinx, GO Transit provides public transportation services for the Greater Toronto and Hamilton areas. Commuter-rail service launched in 1967.
Route miles: 243 commuter rail
Rolling stock: 65 locomotives; 506 rail cars, plus 59 cars on order from Bombardier Transportation, to be delivered in January 2013
Annual ridership: 57 million
Annual operating cost: $664 million
Number of stations: 59
GO Transit is investing $8.2 billion for the Eglinton-Scarborough Crosstown light-rail line — the largest provincial investment in transit in Ontario's history, according to GO Transit. The line is expected to be completed in 2020. The agency also is spending about $1 billion for the Georgetown South project, which calls for making infrastructure improvements to meet existing and future ridership demand. The improvements are scheduled to be completed by 2014's end.
GO Transit is revitalizing Toronto's Union Station. The project calls for restoring, repairing and/or renovating all elements of the 80-year-old train shed. GO Transit will replace the train shed roof over the platforms and tracks. The new roof will feature solar panels to generate electricity that will light the station and power elevators, passenger information signs and public address systems. Scheduled to be completed in 2015, the project also includes replacing the central area with a large, glass atrium and improving pedestrian flow by providing more access points.
Also on tap: a new Air Rail Link, which was named as a division of Metrolinx. The $440 million line will operate between Union Station and Pearson Airport, connecting Canada's busiest airport with its busiest passenger-rail hub. The link is scheduled to open in time for the Pan Am Games in 2015.
Other projects include:
Provides planning, funding and administration for an integrated transportation network in metropolitan Vancouver, B.C. TransLink's subsidiary BC Rapid Transit Co. operates the SkyTrain Expo and Millennium fully automated, driverless rail systems and West Coast Express. The agency also contracts inTransitBC to operate the SkyTrain Canada line. SkyTrain service launched in 1986 and commuter-rail service, in 2009.
Route miles: 41.6 SkyTrain; 43.1 commuter rail
Rolling stock: 6 locomotives, average age 14 years; 44 rail cars, average age 13 years; 298 light-rail cars with 2 cars per consist on the Canada line trains, average age 2.5 years, and 2-4 or 4-6 cars per consist on the Expo/Millennium lines, average age 16 years
Annual ridership: 79.2 million SkyTrain; 2.5 million commuter rail
Annual operating cost: $172 million SkyTrain; $18 million commuter rail (2010)
Annual capital cost: $24 million SkyTrain; $16 million commuter rail (2010)
Number of stations: 49 SkyTrain; 8 commuter rail
TransLink is expanding its Burnaby, B.C., operations and maintenance center, which includes the central control system, maintenance shops and main yard for the SkyTrain Expo/Millennium lines.
The agency also is upgrading the automatic train control, Expo Line power system and power rail, and fiber optic system, as well as replacing the track switch control and Halon system. TransLink also is installing fare gates at SkyTrain stations in preparation for the 2013 introduction of the agency's Compass Card.
In August 2011, TransLink expanded SkyTrain Canada Line service, increasing the number of trains from 14 to 16 and adding service frequency between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
The agency also has increased capacity on the West Coast Express service by adding seven new bi-level cars (built by Bombardier Transportation) and one locomotive. The system now can accommodate 12,500 riders per day versus the previous 10,500. And, TransLink expanded its layover yard near the Mission terminus, and upgraded wayside equipment at Waterfront and Mission stations.
Contact: Jennifer Siddon, Communications Manager 604-520-3641; jennifer_siddon@bcrtc.bc.ca
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