RATP Dev, with the support of its subsidiary McDonald Transit Associates, won a tender launched by the District of Columbia Department of Transportation (DDOT) for the operation and maintenance of the first tramway line in Washington, D.C.
RATP Dev already has a bus operation presence in 15 U.S. states and with this contract win will strengthen its market position while diversifying its U.S. activities.
The first tramway line in Washington will be 2.2 miles long and have seven stations. It will serve the northeast part of the city and is set to be operational by the end of 2013.
The operation and maintenance of the line will be provided by a specially created subsidiary, RDMT (RATP Dev McDonald Transit), led by Lou Bersati. RDMT will also be in charge of the preparatory phase — staff training, technical tests, etc. — before the commissioning in 2013.