CPSD/RTSS/MLC/DAR/SCA/JEB/vdl Agenda ID #10634
PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
Consumer Protection and Safety Division Rail Transit and Crossing Branch Rail Transit Safety Section |
Resolution ST-134 September 22, 2011 |
RESOLUTION ST-134. GRANTING APPROVAL OF THE SAN DIEGO METROPOLITAN TRANSIT SYSTEM SAFETY CERTIFICATION PLAN FOR THE LIGHT RAIL VEHICLE PROCUREMENT __________________________________________________________
SUMMARY
This Resolution grants the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System's request for approval of its "Safety Certification Plan for the Light Rail Vehicle Procurement" dated July 14, 2011.
BACKGROUND
Commission General Order 164-D, Rules and Regulations Governing State Safety Oversight of Rail Fixed Guideway Systems, requires Rail Fixed Guideway Systems to prepare a project specific Safety Certification Plan (SCP) for each major project and ensure that all entities involved in design, construction, operation, and maintenance of the project shall comply with its requirements. The SCP ensures that elements of the project critical to safety are planned, designed, constructed, analyzed, tested, inspected, and implemented. The SCP also ensures that training is provided and rules and procedures are followed.
By letter dated July 14, 2011, attached as Appendix A, San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (SDMTS) submitted "San Diego Metropolitan Transit System Safety Certification Plan for the Light Rail Vehicle Procurement" to CPUC staff (staff) for review and requested Commission approval. The scope of the Light Rail Vehicle (LRV) Procurement Safety Certification Plan is to verify the LRV procurement project is in compliance with Commission General Order 143-B, Safety Rules and Regulations Governing Light Rail Vehicles.
SDMTS is procuring 57 new LRVs from Siemens Transportation Group. The 57 new LRVs will replace the current fleet of 71 Siemens U2 model LRVs which are being retired from service. The U2 model LRVs have been in revenue service since July 1981. The procurement project begins July 2011 with an expected scheduled completion and acceptance of all 57 LRVs by May 2013.
NOTICE
On August 23, 2011, this Resolution was published on the Commission's Daily Calendar.
PROTESTS
No protests or objections have been filed with the Commission.
DISCUSSION
The SCP verifies the documentation, responsibilities for acceptance, procedures, and training needed for safety certification of 57 new LRVs built by Siemens Transportation Systems, Inc. are complete before the new LRVs are placed in revenue service.
The 57 new LRVs are similar to the eleven S70 Siemens LRV models currently in revenue service on the San Diego Trolley, Inc. (SDTI) system since July 2005. The new LRV fleet is 80 feet in length, while the existing LRV fleet is 90 feet in length. The 57 new LRVs will be equipped with two forward facing cameras in each of the train operator's cab which record train operator actions, and events in front of the train such as pedestrian traffic or motor vehicle movement. The other interior cameras in the seating areas provide security to enhance passenger safety on-board the trains.
The new vehicles will operate on SDTI's existing railroad tracks. SDTI plans to replace the original Siemens U2-model LRV fleet of 71 vehicles which have been in revenue service since July 1981, with the 57 new vehicles. Six U2-models have been retired to date and five more are scheduled to retire by 2012.
The SCP is filed by SDMTS as required by General Order 164-D. SDMTS worked with staff to ensure the safety certification plan is comprehensive. Staff reviewed the SCP and found it to be in accordance with General Order 164-D.
COMMENTS
The draft resolution of the Consumer Protection and Safety Division in this matter was mailed in accordance with Section 311 of the Public Utilities Code and Rule 14.2(c) of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure. Comments were filed on _____, and reply comments were filed on _____.
FINDINGS
1. By letter dated July 14, 2011, SDMTS submitted its "San Diego Metropolitan Transit System Safety Certification Plan for the Light Rail Vehicle Procurement" to staff for review and Commission approval.
2. The scope of the Light Rail Vehicle Procurement Safety Certification Plan is to verify the project is in compliance with Commission General Order 143-B, Safety Rules and Regulations Governing Light Rail Vehicles.
3. The SCP verifies supplements to operations and maintenance manuals are made if necessary; the new LRVs are capable of interfacing with the current SD-100 and S70 LRV models; and operations and maintenance personnel are trained in the rules and procedures before the 57 new LRVs are placed in revenue service.
4. SDMTS issues a Conformance Certificate for each single LRV certifying completion of all required elements. After staff reviews and confirms SDMTS has completed all required elements, the single LRV will be allowed to operate in revenue service.
5. The Final Safety Certification Verification Report will be submitted to staff after project completion and SDMTS acceptance of all 57 LRVs.
6. The 57 new LRVs will operate on SDTI's existing railroad during revenue service.
7. Staff reviewed the SCP and found it to be in accordance with General Order 164-D.
THEREFORE, IT IS ORDERED THAT:
1. The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System's request for approval of its "Safety Certification Plan for the Light Rail Vehicle Procurement," as set forth in Appendix A, is granted.
2. This Resolution is effective today.
I certify that the foregoing resolution was duly introduced, passed and adopted at a conference of the Public Utilities Commission of the State of California held on September 22, 2011, the following Commissioners voting favorably thereon:
_________________________ |
PAUL CLANON Executive Director |
APPENDIX A
