LOS ANGELES — Alstom will become contract operator of Metrolink commuter rail operations, expanding on the company’s current maintenance role and replacing Amtrak, which has provided Metrolink’s crews since 2010.
The initial five-year contract, valued at approximately $515 million, begins Jan. 1, with Alstom taking over operations on July 1, 2025. It will run through June 30, 2030., with an option for a three-year extension that would push the total contract value to $860 million.
The new contract will also cover San Bernardino County’s 9-mile Arrow line, which has been operated by TransitAmerica. There, Alstom will provide crews and management but will not be responsible for the maintenance of the Stadler-built trainsets, which include the first hydrogen-powered passenger equipment in the U.S. That trainset is slated to begin operation early in 2025.
Alstom said it anticipates retaining 180 current workers and hiring more than 200 more to support the Metrolink operation that covers more than 545 miles. The contract covers operations and maintenance including train crewing and customer service, rolling-stock maintenance and facilities maintenance, with an option for materials management.
“We are excited to continue our transition from a traditional commuter railroad to becoming a true regional passenger rail operator with the expanded responsibilities awarded to a world-class organization such as Alstom,” Metrolink CEO Darren Kettle said in a press release. “We are grateful for the efforts and dedication of the Amtrak crews who have been operating our Metrolink trains since 2010 and the TransitAmerica Services Inc. team members who have been operating Arrow since that service began in 2022. We know Alstom will work collaboratively over the next several months to ensure a seamless transition and a continued outstanding customer experience.”
Alstom’s relationship with Metrolink dates to the construction of the agency’s first bilevel coaches, built by what was then Bombardier.
“We are grateful for the trust the Southern California Regional Rail Authority and its Board of Directors has placed in Alstom as we expand our role to support their operations and maintenance needs,” said Michael Keroullé, President of Alstom Americas. He also said the company is committed to bringing Metrolink customers “our experience and dedication to deliver world class service and to help Metrolink prepare to accommodate visitors from around the world” during the 2028 Summer Olympics.
Alstom the great!
Dr. Güntürk Üstün
Does anyone remember, who the operator prior to 2010 was? I recall a lot of outcry over the employee, who in 2008 was texting while he missed the signal departing Chatsworth and crashed into a UP freight train. This was the incident that led to PTC. The other political fallout was that the SCRA contracted with Amtrak in order to “look safer”.
What happens to the Amtrak T&E? Probably several different options. Transfer by bumping, remain but quitting, furlough,
Now that they have that contract out of the way, can we place the odds BW will be done in time for the Olympics?
My bet? It will be done to Victorville, and they will bus people over Cajon for the Olympics.