Transit Briefs: South Florida Coastal Link, KC Streetcar, Trinity Metro, Alstom
South Florida Coastal Link
Broward County Transit (BCT) and the Miami-Dade Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTPW) are seeking a qualified firm to serve as the operating agency for the South Florida Coastal Link commuter rail project, which will operate on the Florida East Coast Railway corridor and “deliver a reliable, efficient, and environmentally conscious transit option.”
BCT partnered with Miami-Dade DTPW to issue a Request for Information (RFI), to assess firms interested in undertaking key operational responsibilities, including rail operations, fleet maintenance, and customer service.
The Coastal Link is part of BCT’s broader Premium Mobility (PREMO) program to modernize and expand South Florida’s transit system with an emphasis on broadening connectivity throughout Broward County.
“The Coastal Link represents an opportunity to connect communities and create a truly integrated regional transportation network,” said BCT CEO/General Manager Coree Cuff Lonergan. “We’re excited to engage with industry leaders who have a proven track record of innovation and passenger-centric service to help us bring this vision to life.”
The RFI submission deadline is Monday, Jan. 6, 2025.
KC Streetcar
The newest addition to the KC Streetcar fleet, #807, is officially open for passenger service. This is the first of eight new CAF USA-manufactured streetcars to debut on the downtown streetcar route.
Like its predecessors (Streetcars 801-806), Streetcar #807 is a state-of-the-art bi-directional vehicle measuring approximately 77 feet in length and weighing 78,000 pounds. It accommodates up to 150 riders, offering level boarding at all stops. This feature enhances accessibility for bike riders, wheelchair users, and those with strollers, “reinforcing the KC Streetcar system’s commitment to inclusive transportation,” the agency noted.
“The inclusion of 807 into our operating fleet is a significant milestone and is years in the making. This addition to our fleet, along with the seven other new streetcars, will bring critical fleet capacity needed as we push to triple the size of the streetcar system over the next 18 months,” said Tom Gerend, Executive Director, KC Streetcar Authority.
Streetcar #807 comes equipped with several upgrades and advanced features, including:
- “Next-Stop Displays: New interior displays provide real-time updates on upcoming stops, stop requests, etc., enhancing the passenger experience.
- “Enhanced Safety: An improved on-board video surveillance system ensures a safer environment for all riders.
- “System Upgrades: Improved exterior headway signs, upgraded air compressors, and a cutting-edge train-to-wayside communication system improve performance and reliability.
- “Advanced Driver Assist System (ADAS): This innovative technology supports operators and increases operational safety.”
The KC Streetcar fleet will grow to 14 vehicles in total by the end of 2024 to support the expansion of the KC Streetcar system from 2.2 miles to 6.5 miles by early 2026.
Trinity Metro
To support the success of TEXRail, which has seen three million riders since its launch in December 2019, and prepare for the future, Trinity Metro has announced the addition of four new Stadler DMU FLIRT vehicles to its fleet, with delivery expected in 2027.
The fleet expansion comes as Trinity Metro increases midday train service to 30-minute intervals, doubling frequency and enhancing convenience for riders. This forward-looking investment, the agency says, “ensures that Trinity Metro’s TEXRail is ready to serve the needs of Tarrant County’s residents and visitors for years to come.”
“TEXRail’s remarkable success underscores its vital role in North Texas’ transportation network,” said Rich Andreski, President and CEO of Trinity Metro. “This fleet expansion builds on that success as we work toward creating a world-class transportation system that not only meets the needs of today but also drives innovation, economic growth, and connectivity for the future.”
The new trains will complement the original TEXRail FLIRT fleet, which was assembled under the Buy America Act and put into service in 2019. Since then, Trinity Metro says TEXRail has become a “trusted transportation option for trips to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, events and commuting, with several trains already surpassing 500,000 miles of reliable service.”
“Demand for TEXRail continues to rise, and these new train sets will enable us to maintain high service standards while accommodating more riders,” said Reed Lanham, Vice President of Rail for Trinity Metro. “With the recent service enhancements and the upcoming extension to the Medical District, we’re focused on providing an exceptional experience for our customers.”
The Stadler DMU FLIRT vehicles, known for their efficiency and reliability, are designed to deliver consistent performance in diverse climates worldwide, the agency noted. The original TEXRail fleet was the first U.S.-based project for Stadler US, establishing a strong partnership between the two organizations.
“We have a strong partnership with Trinity Metro, that goes back to 2016. The TEXRail project was the first project Stadler US got to assemble on US soil from start to finish,” said Martin Ritter, CEO Stadler US Inc. “We’re honored that Trinity Metro has placed their trust in us once again to expand their current fleet of Stadler vehicles even further.”
“With more trains, expanded service, and a vision for continued growth, Trinity Metro and TEXRail are paving the way for an even brighter future for public transportation in North Texas,” the agency said.
Alstom
Alstom on Nov. 25 announced that it has signed a contract renewal with Denver International Airport to operate and maintain its Innovia APM system over the course of seven years. The new contract, which will run from Jan. 1, 2025, to Dec. 31, 2032, will employ 91 Alstom team members at Denver International Airport, and is valued at €218 million ($229 million).
Alstom employees will provide 24/7 maintenance and operations for Denver’s APM system. These services include the operations and dispatching of the APMs. Alstom will provide maintenance of the vehicles and the 1.2 mile of loop track; power and electrification; signs, signals, and station platform doors; and the communications systems. The contract scope includes cleaning services for the interior and exterior of the trains; tunnel floor cleaning, pressure washing, and floor drainage; facilities and platform doors; and the collection and disposition of hazardous waste.
“Alstom is proud to be Denver International Airport’s partner of choice as they continue on their journey to modernize and expand air train service at one of the busiest airports in the world,” Alstom Americas President Michael Keroullé. “Our expertise in the operations and maintenance of automated people movers allows us to deliver frequent, safe and comfortable service for travellers from around the world.”
“Denver International Airport’s new operations and maintenance agreement with Alstom is one of many steps we’re taking to enhance the reliability and passenger experience of the train that moves people between the terminal and concourse,” said Matthew Robb, Senior Vice President of Technical Operations for Denver International Airport. “As a growing airport, it’s crucial that we provide a consistent service, especially as we continue our work toward accommodating 100 million annual passengers.”
Alstom recently entered a new chapter in its 30-year relationship with Denver International Airport by providing new Innovia APM R vehicles, which went into service in July 2024. Manufactured by Alstom, these train cars, the company says, “increased capacity, efficiency, and comfort for people navigating the airport.”
Alstom has been providing operations and maintenance services for the airport’s APM system since the airport opened in 1994. Across all the company’s Innovia APM customers in the U.S., Alstom says it averages a performance of 99.5% fleet availability, through 24/7 operations and maintenance services.
