NJ Transit purchase of new commuter rail cars, December 12th Agenda Item

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Shown below is the resolution on today's NJT Board of Directors agenda for new MU equipment. Lots of detail if you want to go into the weeds.

ITEM 1812-72: RAIL ROLLING STOCK PROGRAM: PURCHASE OF 113
MULTILEVEL III PASSENGER VEHICLES AND CONTRACT
AMENDMENT FOR ENGINEERING ASSISTANCE

WHEREAS, in 2006, NJ TRANSIT received its first delivery of 321 multilevel
vehicles (Multilevel I) and in 2010, ordered an additional 100 multilevel vehicles (Multilevel II) to replace aging single-level rail coaches with state-of-the-art multilevel equipment; and

WHEREAS, NJ TRANSIT’s existing multilevel vehicles have enhanced the
comfort and quality of service for customers by providing 2x2 seating, larger seats and windows, more legroom, and a smoother and quieter ride, and improved the reliability of rail service wherever they are operated; and

WHEREAS, NJ TRANSIT’s Rail Fleet Strategy calls for the retirement of the
existing single-level, self-propelled Arrow III Electrical Multiple Unit (EMU) rail vehicle, manufactured over 40 years ago, which is the next vehicle type in NJ TRANSIT’s fleet that requires replacement; and

WHEREAS, NJ TRANSIT will replace the Arrow III vehicles with new multilevel
vehicles (Multilevel III Vehicles) which will provide an approximately 11 percent increase in seating compared to the in-service Arrow III vehicles; and

WHEREAS, the purchase of 113 new Multilevel III Vehicles, consisting of 58 Power
Cars, 33 Cab Cars, 16 Trailer Cars and six (6) Restroom-equipped Trailer Cars, will allow NJ TRANSIT to modernize and improve the versatility and reliability of the rail fleet; and

WHEREAS, the Multilevel III Vehicles will be compatible and interoperable with the
in-service multilevel vehicles to create self-propelled EMU trains, a single unified fleet that can operate without locomotives, and can be configured based on customers’ needs; and

WHEREAS, the Multilevel III Vehicles will combine EMU and Push-Pull technology
to create a hybrid consist that has more redundancy and reliability with lower costs and maintenance requirements; and

WHEREAS, the Multilevel III Vehicles will be equipped with Positive Train Control
(PTC) equipment, consistent with NJ TRANSIT’s focus on safety and to comply with the latest federal regulations; and

WHEREAS, the Multilevel III Vehicles will provide operational flexibility for both
shorter trains that operate in low ridership areas as well as for longer trains that operate in high-density areas, such as on the Northeast Corridor; and

WHEREAS, NJ TRANSIT customers will continue to benefit from the fleet reliability
of the multilevel vehicles by reducing the average age of NJ TRANSIT’s rolling stock fleet; and

 

WHEREAS, the Multilevel III Vehicles will feature new customer amenities such as
USB ports, an infotainment system, LED lighting, power restroom doors, and video surveillance system to enhance the customer experience; and

WHEREAS, upon completion of a competitive procurement process, it was
determined that Bombardier Transit Corporation of Bensalem, Pennsylvania, was the most qualified responsive, responsible proposer; and

WHEREAS, the cost of the purchase for 113 Multilevel III Vehicles, including other
passenger amenities and spare parts, is $669,072,335, with 14 vehicle options to purchase up to an additional 636 Multilevel III Vehicles (and an additional 250 Multilevel Vehicles intended for SEPTA), which would be subject to future board authorization and when fully exercised, would be for a total contract value of $3,612,861,685; and

WHEREAS, staff requires assistance for design and engineering associated with
the manufacture, testing and warranty support of the Multilevel III Vehicles; and
WHEREAS, LTK Engineering Services, Inc. was previously authorized by the
NJ TRANSIT Board of Directors to develop specifications for multilevel vehicles and to support vendor selection activities through a multi-phase contract;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Chair or Executive Director is
authorized to contract with Bombardier Transit Corporation of Bensalem, Pennsylvania, for the purchase of 113 Multilevel III Passenger Vehicles, including other passenger amenities and spare parts, at a cost not to exceed $669,072,335, plus five percent for contingencies, subject to the availability of funds; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Chair or Executive Director is authorized to
amend NJ TRANSIT Contract No. 05-078 with LTK Engineering Services, Inc. of Ambler, Pennsylvania, for design and engineering assistance with the manufacture of the Multilevel III Passenger Vehicles at a cost not to exceed $36,692,968, plus five percent for contingencies, for a total contract authorization of $42,004,395, subject to the availability of funds.