RFEI regarding the provision of Rail Operations, Maintenance and Support Services
Caltrain has released a Request for Expressions of Interest RFEI regarding the provision of Rail Operations, Maintenance and Support Services for its commuter rail system pursuant to a future operations and maintenance (O&M) agreement. Caltrain is issuing this RFEI to gauge potential proposer interest and receive feedback on key topics that will determine the best strategy to procure one or more new O&M agreements. Specifically, Caltrain seeks to:
- Understand operating models and best practices from experienced operators;
- Identify firms or teams with demonstrated expertise in safe and reliable train operations and maintaining modern rail infrastructure and rolling stock;
- Collect feedback on potential payment and performance mechanisms that incentivize proactive problem solving, innovation and creativity, safety, reliability, and cost-effectiveness;
- Identify qualified invitees to participate in one-on-one meetings; and
- Inform the development of a future Request for Proposals (RFP) that aligns with current market expectations and capabilities.
As Caltrain’s current O&M contract approaches expiration (June 2027), the agency is considering potential strategies for its successor contract. In 2024, Caltrain completed a transformative $2.44 billion modernization program, transitioning from diesel-hauled operations to a state-of-the-art electrified system utilizing new Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) trainsets. Given these and other significant developments in railroad technology, operations, and asset management since the inception of the current contract in 2011, the agency is committed to identifying current industry capabilities and innovative O&M approaches, with particular emphasis on safe and efficient electrified operations.
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