The Baltimore Central Light Rail Line light rail vehicle procurement

This paper describes how the Baltimore Light Rail Vehicle (LRV) specification was developed so quickly, the unique characteristics of the vehicle, and the successful procurement, testing, and use of the vehicle in revenue service. The Baltimore LRV procurement was a critical path activity because the Maryland Mass Transit Administration (MTA) adopted a fast track procurement process. The specification was developed in 90 days, and supplier selection was completed within an additional 90 days. Meetings with potential suppliers were conducted to assess their ability to provide nonstandard features and minimize technical risks to the MTA. The focus of the specification development was on high-risk areas such as AC propulsion. Life-cycle costs were developed that compared AC and DC propulsion technologies to determine long term benefits of reduced maintenance costs. The specification addressed traditionally weak areas such as system integration, design for maintainability, ergonomics, and the design review process. During the system design review with civil designers, emphasis was placed on the complex alignment throughout the downtown business district. A total quality assurance inspection and test plan was developed and implemented at the manufacturer´s facility to ensure conformance to work scope, vehicle configuration control from the baseline build, and first article inspections of major assemblies. Vehicle testing included a complete set of performance tests to verify acceleration and braking rates