Mass Transit At the Show 2023 - 23

SFRTA secured
$ 71.7 million in
the inaugural
round of funding
awarded through
the Rail Vehicle
Replacement
Program; one
of six transit
providers to
be awarded a
combined $703
million.
Photo: SFRTA
compared to 2016 and the average age of light-rail vehicles was
19.5 years, which is an eight percent increase compared to 2016.
When the initial group of funds for the Rail Vehicle Replacement
Program opened for applications, FTA explained older
railcars contribute to service delays and increased costs while
lacking newer amenities, such as digital signage and audio tools,
that improve the riding experience and accessibility for persons
with disabilities. The grant program allows agencies, such as
SFRTA, to begin the process of fleet renewal.
SFRTA wants to invest its grant money in fixing some of its
vehicles' reliability issues. The agency explains maintenance
on some aging vehicles is no longer enough to keep them
running at the pace required by riders. For example, Tri-Rail
service connects passengers with Miami International Airport,
Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport and Palm
Beach International Airport, all destinations where reliability
of service is a priority.
Tri-Rail service connecting Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade
counties has been affected by the aging rail equipment.
The vehicles now require more frequent maintenance
and repairs, which means more time in the shop and less time
serving passengers.
While the issue hasn't had major effects on the agency's timetable
or scheduling, it has hindered the agency's ability to swap
out engines when they are out for maintenance.
New fleet brings
technological advances
Almost all SFRTA's equipment lacks modern
amenities like Wi-Fi and charging
outlets. Dech said SFRTA's team has felt
like they are " constantly trying to play
catch up, " to all of the other transit agencies
in the area.
Victor Garcia, SFRTA's director of public
affairs, explains the new rail fleet will
provide an opportunity to meet customer
expectations.
" We want to have all the things that
customers expect to have these days. Our
passengers will have a much-improved
experience when we procure new equipment
with state-of-the-art technology, "
said Garcia.
On critical component for rail cars
in Florida is air conditioning, especially
during the humid and arid months.
SFRTA averages around 13,000 riders
on weekdays and 6,000 on weekends.
With high temperatures in southern
Florida reaching above 90 degrees in
Stop by Booth #3820 at
APTA EXPO in Orlando, FL
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OCTOBER 2023 APTA EXPO ISSUE | MassTransitmag.com 23
9/7/23 3:25 PM
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Mass Transit At the Show 2023

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