Significant KC Streetcar milestone…

In time for the arrival of the first streetcar, the KC Streetcar Authority (KCSA) has executed the region’s first operations and maintenance agreement to support KC Streetcar operations with Saint Joseph based Herzog Transit Services, Inc. (HTSI). The arrival of the first vehicle, combined with this action, signifies the transition from construction to the operations and testing phase of the KC Streetcar, both of which precedes the start of passenger streetcar service in 2016.  This is a multi-party agreement between KCSA, HTSI and the City of Kansas City, Missouri.

The fixed-price agreement includes required start-up activities and support as well as operations and maintenance for the first five years of streetcar passenger service.  Year one base operations and maintenance costs are $2,572,216, which is on target with original cost projections. The total base contract value for the full contract term is $15,832,064.

“I couldn’t be more excited to be moving into the operational phase of this project”, says Tom Gerend, executive director of the KC Streetcar Authority.  “This agreement solidifies our long-term partnership with HTSI and ensures our ability to bring national expertise and capacity to our operations and maintenance responsibilities.”

HTSI’s efforts will increase significantly over the next several months as the team begins equipment training, field testing, preparation of operational procedures, streetcar “burn-in” testing, hiring and training of streetcar operations and maintenance employees.  Once the equipment is checked out and functional, HTSI’s team will enter into the Pre-Revenue Operations phase, which is the lead up phase for passenger service.

Following the start of passenger service, HTSI’s responsibilities will include:

• Streetcar Operations and Maintenance Management
• Streetcar Operations and Maintenance
• Operating Procedures and Scheduling
• Safety Support, Monitoring, and Related Reporting
• Station stop, Equipment and Facilities Maintenance
• Special Event Schedule Preparation and Coordination
• Emergency Response Coordination

“We are thrilled to be part of the Streetcar team and transition into the next phase of the project,” said Scott Perry, President & CEO, HTSI. “This is an exciting time for everyone, seeing the project evolve from construction to the upcoming delivery of Kansas City’s very first modern streetcar. I have full confidence in HTSI’s team to meet the challenges that lie ahead and deliver a successful project”, continued Perry.   HTSI, as part of their agreement, has a General Manager, Director of Maintenance and a Director of Safety and Security already on-board supporting the start-up process.

HTSI is a nationally recognized provider of rail transit operations and maintenance services for twelve projects throughout the United States.  They currently operate and or maintain projects for agencies in Texas, California, New Jersey, Florida and New Mexico.   Hiring for KC Streetcar personnel is anticipated to start this fall.  Positions include streetcar operators, rail car mechanics, equipment maintainers and supervisors. The application process will be online at www.htsi.com and www.kcstreetcar.org.

Click here for the full news release.