Roma McKenzie-Campbell Amtrak, Project Manager. Caroline Ducas VHB, Senior Transit Planner. Boston, Massachusetts

Transcription

1 DMU Implementation on Existing Commuter Rail Corridors: Opportunities, Challenges and Lessons Learned Roma McKenzie-Campbell Amtrak, Project Manager Caroline Ducas VHB, Senior Transit Planner Boston, Massachusetts

2 Key Presentation Take-Aways Understand challenges of adding DMUs on an existing system shared with traditional commuter rail and freight service Determine service goals and objectives early Conduct a thorough Needs Assessment to determine operational and infrastructure requirements and costs Understand requirements of integrating a new technology into an older system

3 Overview Introduction Objectives/Opportunities of DMUs Summary of Studies Challenges Lessons Learned

4 Introduction Introduction Objectives/Opportunities of DMUs Summary of Studies Challenges with an Existing System Lessons Learned

5 5th largest transit agency in US (by unlinked passenger trips) Operates the following services: Commuter Rail (contracted) Commuter Ferry (contracted) Heavy Rail/Subway Light Rail Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Bus & Trackless Trolley Introduction The MBTA

6 Introduction Commuter Rail at a Glance 14 Commuter Rail Routes 388 Route Miles 138 Stations 129,075 Weekday Boardings 3 Maintenance Facilities 14 Layover/Storage Facilities 90 Locomotives 410 Coaches Source: MBTA Ridership and Service Statistics, Revenue Fleet info based on Draft FY Commuter Rail Fleet Management Plan.

7 Introduction Commuter Rail/Subway Coverage Area

8 Objectives/Opportunities of DMUs Introduction Objectives/Opportunities of DMUs Summary of Studies Challenges with an Existing System Lessons Learned

9 Objectives/Opportunities of DMUs Self-propelled, single unit passenger vehicle powered by diesel engines Operated in 2-car to 6-car trainset configurations (MBTA) Service on short and medium distance, non-electrified railroad lines

10 Objectives/Opportunities of DMUs Introduce the Urban Rail Concept Utilize existing infrastructure for additional core service Provide more frequent service, particularly off-peak when capacity is available Benefit Suburban commuters with reduced travel times

11 Summary of Studies Introduction Objectives/Opportunities of DMUs Summary of Studies Challenges with an Existing System Lessons Learned

12 Summary of Studies Fairmount Line South Station to Readville Worcester Line South Station to Riverside Worcester Line Fairmount Line

13 Overview: Fairmount Line Corridor Implementation Plan 9.7 Miles of Track 0.6 Miles of Single Track 9.1 Miles of Double Track 9 Stations 6 (+ 1 Planned) with High Level Platforms 2 with Low Level Platforms and Mini-Highs Study Goal: To determine all infrastructure and operational needs, costs, and timeline for implementation of DMU service on the MBTA Fairmount Line

14 Overview: Worcester Line Corridor Operations Analysis 11 Miles of Primarily Double Track 9 Stations 2 (+2 Planned) with High Level Platforms 3 with Low Level, Single Side Platforms 1 with Low Level Platform and Mini-High 1 New Station at Riverside Study Goal: To conduct an initial operational assessment of DMU service on the MBTA Worcester Line from a new station at Riverside to South Station

15 Study Goals & Objectives Service Goals & Objectives 15 minute peak period headways; 30 minute off-peak period headways Single, dedicated DMU platform at South Station Minimal/no impact to other commuter rail, intercity rail and freight operations Infrastructure Objectives Achieve service goals with operational reliability Accommodate DMU vehicles Comply with accessibility/code requirements

16 Study Baseline Assumptions DMUs operated and maintained by MBTA s commuter rail contractor On board fare collection Base 3-car trainset configuration (with 2-car to 6-car trainsets possible)

17 Challenges Introduction Objectives/Opportunities of DMUs Summary of Studies Challenges Lessons Learned

18 Challenge #1: Integration into an Existing System - Operations Ability to achieve headway goals is challenging Fairmount Line 79% DMU OTP with 15 minute peak headways 95% OTP achievable with 20 minute peak headways Worcester Line 60 minute headways best fit Impact of revenue and non-revenue moves and location of layover is critical Turn movements at terminal stations, preferably off the mainline, needs consideration

19 Challenge #1: Integration into an Existing System - Infrastructure High level platforms required at all stations Track & signal improvements needed for additional capacity and reliability Additional clearances required for high and wide freight routes (Worcester Line) Adequacy of structures for DMU tractive and braking forces 19

20 Challenge #2: Introduction of New Technology into Existing System Existing MBTA layover facilities not adequate to accommodate new DMU fleet Dedicated DMU layover/maintenance facilities required (based on initial 30 car DMU procurement) Midday storage for 5, 3-car trainsets Overnight storage for base DMU fleet of 10, 3-car trainsets 255 long tracks for 3-car trainset base configuration Parking for staff and visitors

21 Challenge #2: Introduction of New Technology into Existing System 53-person maintenance staff needed at dedicated facility Service & Inspection / Maintenance - Similar to existing locomotives and coaches (with a few exceptions)

22 Challenge #3: Understanding the Costs Capital Costs Vehicles Stations Track/Signals Support Facilities Operations/Maintenance Operating crew labor, fuel Maintenance staff labor Maintenance materials Other Soft Costs Administrative Design, Permitting, Procurement Order of Magnitude Capital Cost Estimate Fairmount Line DMU Vehicle Procurement (Programmed Cost, Used for Planning Purposes Only) Infrastructure Improvements Approx. Cost $ 239M $ 163M $ 13M Corridor Signals Stations and Track & Signals $ 65M Improvements Layover/ Maintenance $ 85M Facilities Total Capital Costs (Mid-point of $ 402M construction, 2020 dollars) Estimated Annual O&M Costs* $12M *Does not account for reductions attributed to changes in commuter rail service or additional generated fare box revenue

23 Challenge #4: Understanding the Schedule Planning/Feasibility Fleet procurement Add to existing order (if possible) vs. develop agency-specific RFP Design, permit and construct infrastructure improvements Phasing of project elements Timing of DMU delivery and vehicle acceptance Location for support facilities Key Implementation Steps Fairmount Line Planning/Feasibility Phase Environmental/Preliminary Engineering Design Phase Final Design and Permitting Phase Construction Phase DMU Vehicle Procurement Estimated Duration 6 months 21 months 18 months 36 months ~ 6 years Layover 6 years + Implementation of DMUs into an existing system is a multi-year process and takes careful planning and consideration.

24 Challenges of Integrating DMUs into an Existing System Introduction Objectives/Opportunities of DMUs Summary of Studies Challenges Lessons Learned

25 Lessons Learned Establish a preliminary program/standard Service Delivery Policy Service Goals & Objectives Systemwide or Phased Approach Conduct a thorough Needs Assessment Operations Infrastructure Understand the Realities Time Financial Commitment by Agencies

26 Thank You