The Board of Trustees of the Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority (SORTA) approved July 6 a new streetcar services contract agreement with Transdev Services.
Under this agreement, Transdev will provide operations and maintenance services for Cincinnati’s new streetcar service, scheduled to open in September 2016. The contract includes management of day-to-day operations, accountability for safety, maintenance of vehicles and maintenance of most streetcar infrastructure (track, power system, stations and maintenance facility). Transdev expects that approximately 26 new jobs will be created including streetcar operators, mechanics, safety and administrative positions.
The agreement includes a start-up period plus a five-year base contract. There are five one-year optional extensions. Taken together, the total value of the contract would be $38 million. The contract was awarded after a competitive Request for Proposal process in which five companies competed.
The Cincinnati Streetcar’s 3.6 mile loop will have 18 stops and will link major employment centers and popular destinations along the riverfront through the downtown business district and connecting the historic Over the Rhine neighborhood. The streetcar will connect to Metro bus service at Government Square, as well as at several bus stops in Downtown and Over the Rhine.
“Transdev is a highly respected operator of transit and rail systems in the U.S. and around the world, including the nation’s largest streetcar system in New Orleans,” said Jason Dunn, chair of the SORTA Board. “The procurement process was rigorous, thorough, and conducted with the highest level of integrity, and this contract represents the best value for the community. We are delighted that Transdev will be our partner in providing efficient, quality service for the Cincinnati Streetcar.”
“We thank the SORTA Board of Trustees for their trust and vote of confidence with this important contract. We look forward to bringing our expertise from around the world to provide safe, reliable, top quality service and to collaborating with SORTA to ensure a positive passenger experience,” said Mark Joseph, chief executive officer of Transdev North America.
