In+Motion_Winter 2015

BART to OAK continued from p 1

President’s Column

We Are Forever Changed

specification documents), assisted in the selection of a contractor, provided a full range of design review and contract compliance services, and coordinated interfaces between the new system, BART’s existing system and the Airport. Lea+Elliott led the DBOM procurement process including a joint RFQ/RFP, and provided design review and construction oversight management for the system, while the project was designed and constructed by a joint venture between Flatiron Construction and Parsons Transportation Group. As a subcontractor to Flatiron / Parsons, a Joint Venture (FPJV), Doppelmayr Cable Car (DCC) provided the cable-propelled, dual- lane pinched loop APM elements of the system. Because the system was constructed in a densely populated and commercially busy area, there were special challenges to achieving the work. The guideway was completely installed along the 3-mile route, including interfaces with the City of Oakland, Port of Oakland, Caltrans and Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR). The BART to OAK system was partially funded by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and thus, the requirements of Buy America applied. Under 49 CFR 661, Buy America regulations, all system elements are manufactured in the United States and must be constructed with at least 60% domestic content. In addition, 100% of the steel used on the project for the guideway and fixed facilities must be fabricated in the United States. Because the guideway superstructure was entirely steel, there was a significant manufacturing effort occurring in the United States. Lea+Elliott assisted the project in meeting the requirements of Buy America. Lea+Elliott is proud to have the opportunity of working together with BART staff to finally turn BART to OAK into a reality. Past Lea+Elliott staff includes Bill Leder (retired), Harley Moore (retired), and Elaine Cartwright (now with BART). Current Lea+Elliott staff includes P roject Manager John Kennedy, Jackie Yang, Jason Eng, Bryce Engen , Sebastian Gladney, and Michele Jacobson (while at BART), . Lea+Elliott is continuing to support BART with closeout and contract management items.

The first quarter of 2015 is a great time to stop and think about the future. Technology has changed us. Robots, BIM, GPS, smart phones, apps, and virtual meetings have all reconstructed how we live and how

we do business. In the near future, life-like robots, drones and high-performing artificial intelligence will take us further into uncharted territory. Ironically, we are the new pioneers. All of these technology developments affect transit too. Such advancements have a huge impact on transit systems. One thing that’s certain is that the Honolulu Rapid Transit project is moving forward with its fully automated, driverless system. It will be the first urban, high-capacity driverless system built in the US since the JFK Airtrain began service in 2003. The 20-mile, 21-station project will result in one of the largest driverless systems in the world. With all of its benefits, I’m predicting—and hoping—that this will set the stage for future driverless transit systems to be implemented throughout North America. And what about driverless cars? Will their convenience push people away from traditional light rail and metropolitan transit systems? Or will driverless cars simply be the vehicle to deliver people to local metro systems and long-distance, high-speed rail? We all have much to ponder; and as you move through this new year, I hope everyone has a healthy, productive and prosperous 2015 that is filled with the promise of innovation and new ideas!

Jack Norton

BART to OAK leaving the Airport station.

In Motion

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