WMATA announces contracting opportunity for Silver Line extension
Under the agency's plan to "Keep Metro Safe, Reliable and Affordable," the use of competitive contracting is recommended as a way to control operating and maintenance costs
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) announced a competitive contracting opportunity for Silver Line Phase II, which is currently being constructed by the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA). The request for proposals (RFP) seeks potential vendors for the operation and maintenance of new Silver Line trains, stations and facilities, including the railcars assigned to the Silver Line, track and infrastructure, the Dulles Rail Yard, and all administrative functions necessary to support operations. Additionally, the solicitation includes the option to operate Silver Line trains.
Under WMATA's plan to "Keep Metro Safe, Reliable and Affordable," the use of competitive contracting is recommended as a way to control operating and maintenance costs — including future pension costs, which have grown to unsustainable levels.
"We are leaving no stone unturned as we look for opportunities to maintain transit service for the region and protect jobs, all while living within our means in light of what our funding jurisdictions can afford," said Metro GM/CEO Paul J. Wiedefeld. "Competitive contracting is one tool to hold down pension cost growth, while providing quality service for customers."
The proposal for the Silver Line extension will not result in a loss of jobs for WMATA's current workforce.
The contracting offer for the Silver Line follows an $89 million contract award last month for the maintenance and operation of buses from the agency's new Cinder Bed Road bus facility in Lorton, Va.
The Silver Line extension could open in 2020, dependent on completion of construction by MWAA, which is building the rail extension. Proposals will be due on Jan. 15, 2019. WMATA will evaluate each vendor based on the best value, with a contract award expected in spring 2019.
The base contract award will be five years with additional options available.
Transit agencies around the world such as Hong Kong, London, Melbourne and Beijing have successfully contracted some or all rail services through public-private partnerships. The results have included improved on-time performance, reliability, operating efficiencies and cost savings.
More Rail
New York MTA Leverages Zoning Program to Advance Station Accessibility
Accessibility enhancements at Nevins St Station will be financed through a development agreement tied to the MTA's Zoning for Accessibility initiative.
Read More →
Virginia's $28.5B Transportation Plan Targets Transit and Rail
Approved by the Commonwealth Transportation Board, the program supports ongoing infrastructure projects while providing new investments in transit, state of good repair and transportation alternatives.
Read More →
DOT: Brightline Corridor Incidents Fall 30% Following Federal Safety Upgrades
Safety improvements funded through a $25 million federal investment are credited with reducing trespassing and train-vehicle collisions along the Brightline Florida corridor.
Read More →
D Line Expansion Fuels Growth Across LA Metro's Rail System
Weekend rail ridership was especially strong, soaring 18% as riders embraced expanded access to jobs, entertainment, dining, and cultural destinations, said the agency. Total system ridership for May, including bus and rail, was 26,966,657.
Read More →
Southern California's Metrolink Debuts Contactless Fare Payment Pilot
Customers traveling between Redlands and Los Angeles can now tap their preferred payment method, including a credit or debit card, mobile wallet, or wearable device, at station validators before boarding and again while exiting.
Read More →
California's BART Approves FY27 Budget While Maintaining Service Levels
The budget covers July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, a period when pandemic emergency funds run out, the District faces a structural deficit of $375 million, and a regional transit funding measure may appear on the November ballot.
Read More →
Penn Station Transformation Advances with Design Unveiling
The historic redesign will transform the busiest transit hub in the Western Hemisphere from the tracks to the street level, creating a more efficient, cleaner, and functional experience for more than 600,000 daily commuters and millions of visitors.
Read More →
Second Avenue Subway Phase 2 Advances into Major Construction Stage
New York Governor Kathy Hochul joined leadership from the MTA, elected officials, and Harlem community leaders to break ground on the major construction stage of the transformative Second Avenue Subway Phase 2 project.
Read More →
The Invisible Infrastructure of Passenger Flow
What a seat reservation system on Austria’s Railjet trains reveals about the future of rider experience, and why U.S. agencies should pay attention.
Read More →
Caltrain Board Approves FY27 Budget, Endorses Efficiency Measures
The move ensures Caltrain service will continue operating as usual in the near term, but long-term financial challenges remain for the rail agency absent a new revenue source.
Read More →