Valley Metro Rail extends ACI contract
Written by William C. Vantuono, Editor-in-Chief
Valley Metro Rail (VMR), Phoenix, Ariz., has extended its light rail management services contract with Alternate Concepts, Inc. (ACI) through Dec. 31, 2016. ACI has provided transportation services to VMR since 2008. ACI initially won a five-year contract, which has been extended on three occasions since 2012.
The 20-mile light rail system with 28 stations provides public transportation that connects downtown Phoenix, Mesa, and Tempe, home of Arizona State University. The system carries approximately 44,000 passengers each day.
Over the next two years, ACI will work with VMR to expand and enhance light rail service. Plans include opening the Central Mesa light rail system extension in 2015 and commencing service on the Northwest Phoenix light rail extension in 2016. ACI will also have a role in servicing activities leading up to the Super Bowl t scheduled to take place in downtown Phoenix in February 2015.
“During its years of service in Arizona, ACI has continuously delivered strong on-time performance for VMR, including 99% OTP during the first nine months of 2014,” the company said. “ACI also has helped to achieve high levels of rider satisfaction, as reflected by a rate of less-than one passenger concern reported for every 100,000 passenger trips.”
ACI describes itself as “a provider of bus and rail transportation operations and maintenance services to public and private mass transit systems across the U.S. Backed by industry and multi-modal experience, ACI works with public and private entities to plan, finance, manage, and provide transportation operations and maintenance services. “ The company holds transportation services management contracts in Arizona, Colorado, Massachusetts, and Puerto Rico.
