Miami moves forward on rebuild program

Railway Age, Jan, 2004

A half-life refurbishing program for all of Miami's 136 Metrorail cars and 12 of 29 Metromover cars has begun moving forward with the approval of an initial $2.3 million consulting contract with Washington Infrastructure Services, Inc. The pact was approved by the Citizens' Independent Transportation Trust, a watchdog group created along with file voter-approved 0.5% sales tax increase to expand and improve rail transit in the Miami area.

The rolling stock overhaul is far behind schedule--1996 was the original target date--and locals officials are anxious to get started. However, no schedule to begin the actual work has been set on either the 20 year old Metrorail fleet or the people-mover equipment, which were delivered in 1986.

Current cost estimates place the price tag at around $300 million, provided that the Metromover cars do not have to be replaced. Whether refurbishment is cost effective won't be determined until a contractor is selected and the cars can be given a detailed inspection.