RailPros, an engineering and management firm serving the California rail market, awarded a program management services contract to CH2M to assist with the development and implementation of the Redlands Passenger Rail Project (RPRP) for the San Bernardino (Calif.) Associated Governments (SANBAG).

Supporting the region's population and growth, the goal of the RPRP is to connect residents, businesses and visitors to a variety of leisure, education, healthcare and other destinations, and provide additional transportation choices through the implementation of a new passenger rail service.

The nine-mile rail extension, which is designed to integrate conveniently with other modes such as auto, bus and bicycle, will modernize an existing rail right-of-way owned by SANBAG and provide a new train line connecting to the Los Angeles Basin's existing Metrolink commuter rail lines.

As a subcontractor to the project's lead program manager, RailPros, CH2M will provide planning, coordination and risk assessment, and management services for the RPRP. CH2M also will assist with the rail passenger vehicle acquisition and conduct a fare collection system study. Because safety is a critical component of rail systems, especially with the startup of a new passenger service, CH2M will work closely with RailPros, SANBAG, the Federal Railroad Administration, and other regulators and rail operators to develop system processes that ensure public safety.