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Agenda Item # 22

BOARD MEMORANDUM

RECOMMENDATION:

Authorize the General Manager to execute a contract with U.S. Traffic for supply and delivery of bus signal priority equipment for use in the Line 22 Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project.

BACKGROUND:

The Line 22 BRT project is a multi-component transit improvement that includes preferential treatment at traffic signals to improve bus operating speed and on-time performance.  The vehicle trip reduction potential of bus signal priority has allowed the BRT project to successfully compete for Transportation Fund for Clean Air (TFCA) funding for this project.  The Line 22 BRT project is one of the ten original FTA BRT demonstration projects.  It is planned to operate in mixed traffic, and relies on priority for buses at traffic signals to provide much of its time advantage over conventional buses. 

Over half of Line 22 is operated on rights-of-way owned and maintained by Caltrans.  Caltrans has re-engineered their standard software to provide bus signal priority capabilities.  Caltrans partnered with VTA on the development of bus signal priority operating principles as well as with associated project elements.  Caltrans will continue to provide substantial engineering assistance for the duration of the project.  Various products used as components of the bus signal priority application are required to come from approved vendors from the Caltrans Qualified Products List (QPL).

DISCUSSION: 

TFCA program funds were secured for the acquisition of upgraded traffic signal controllers, loop detector cards, computers and communication equipment necessary to implement a bus priority system along Line 22.  Using transponders already installed in the 40 articulated coaches, buses on Line 22 will be given priority at traffic signals along 19 miles of El Camino Real from Santa Clara to Palo Alto.  Bus priority will improve operating speeds and on-time performance in advance of BRT operation.

Caltrans is a partner in this project; its personnel have modified traffic controller software and will install bus signal priority hardware in existing signal cabinets.  Caltrans has also funded an evaluation of signal priority impacts on transit and highway operations associated with this project.

VTA issued an Invitation for Bids (IFB) to purchase required equipment on August 26, 2003.  Significant elements of the bid require equipment from Caltrans Qualified Products List (QPL).  On November 6, 2003 three sealed bids were received with the following results:

• US Traffic Corp.                                                                  $259,220.20
• JAM Services, Inc.                                                              $271,136.00
• McCain Traffic Supply                                                          $381,340.85

       VTA Staff Estimate:                                                                $312,375.00

US Traffic Corp. is the lowest responsible and responsive bidder.  The bid is approximately 17 % lower  than the staff estimate.  VTA staff recommends awarding the contract for bus signal priority signal controller equipment to US Traffic Corp.

It is anticipated that Phase I installation will take place within 60 days of equipment delivery, with Phase II beginning no more than 120 days later. 

ALTERNATIVES:

There are no practical alternatives that allow the project to proceed in a timely manner.

FISCAL IMPACT:

Funding for this contract is included in the FY04 Capital Budget.  The bus signal priority elements are over 90% TFCA grant funded.

DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS ENTERPRISE (DBE) PARTICIPATION:

Because the scope is limited to procurement items, no specific goal has been established for this contract.  There are no sub-contracting opportunities; however, Contractor is encouraged to make reasonable efforts to utilize DBEs in procuring products associated with performance of this contract.

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