Gold Line East L.A. Extension

[WhoozOn1st]

First Train Car Tested On New Metro Gold Line Eastside

Performed under tow; with audio, and includes press release. (requires Adobe flash player, link provided)

 

[PetalumaLoco]

Good to see.

Funny, when I saw the cars towed by the camera, I thought of this;

 

[WhoozOn1st]

They do have that kinda Airstream look, particularly from the side.

AnsaldoBreda (Italy) P2550s. Same outfit that built the Red/Purple Line subway rolling stock.

Metro Gold Line (Wikipedia, somewhat dated)

AnsaldoBreda

The Gold Line Eastside extension is slated to open this summer, ahead of schedule and under budget.

 

[sechs]

Are these descendants of the cars used in San Francisco's Metro?

 

[WhoozOn1st]

Are these descendants of the cars used in San Francisco's Metro?

If not direct descendants, clearly related. The AnsaldoBreda website linked above includes a testimonial from a MUNI guy, who says the entire light rail fleet (151 cars when posted) is AB.

 

[sechs]

Is there some reason that they aren't getting more of the Siemens cars that they have been using on the line?

 

[WhoozOn1st]

Is there some reason that they aren't getting more of the Siemens cars that they have been using on the line?

Good question, sechs, and I just now e-mailed L.A. Metro in search of an answer. If by Wednesday (3-4-09) I've not received a response I'll try to ask at Metro's weekly live chat.

EDIT: In the meantime, here is a dated (says of the Eastside Extension, "Construction is expected to begin soon." !!), but otherwise informative, look at the Gold Line in general, including 363 pics:

LAMTA Gold Line

EDIT 2: A Metro e-mail response informed me that my inquiry has been forwarded (from Customer Relations) for a response. Pretty quick reply!

 

[Rail Freak]

First Train Car Tested On New Metro Gold Line Eastside
Performed under tow; with audio, and includes press release. (requires Adobe flash player, link provided)

WOW, that's pretty cool. :huh:

 

[WhoozOn1st]

Is there some reason that they aren't getting more of the Siemens cars that they have been using on the line?

Good question, sechs, and I just now e-mailed L.A. Metro in search of an answer. If by Wednesday (3-4-09) I've not received a response I'll try to ask at Metro's weekly live chat.

EDIT: In the meantime, here is a dated (says of the Eastside Extension, "Construction is expected to begin soon." !!), but otherwise informative, look at the Gold Line in general, including 363 pics:

LAMTA Gold Line

EDIT 2: A Metro e-mail response informed me that my inquiry has been forwarded (from Customer Relations) for a response. Pretty quick reply!

Okay, folks, here's L.A. Metro's response to my inquiry regarding sechs' question (worded differently, as you can see). It is what it is.

_____________

We forwarded your request to Rail Operations staff on the Gold Line. The following is their response:

METRO CUSTOMER RELATIONS

AnsaldoBreda provided the most technologically advanced light rail vehicle to enhance Metro’s ability to better manage its rail fleet. The 2550 rail vehicle has the capacity to operate on all Metro light rail lines. The 76-passenger, 54-ton, 90-foot long vehicles contain the latest in rail car technology, from advanced propulsion system and diagnostic equipment to greater accessibility for Metro patrons. They have a life span of at least 30 years.

The new state of the art vehicle provides many improvements that will directly benefit Metro riders. Automated announcements on an interior and exterior public address system will announce approaching stops. Seats are cantilevered, which opens up floor space for faster boarding and alighting.

Some of the 2550 car’s other new features include:

Stainless steel structure and composite body components that increase the vehicle’s lifespan while reducing maintenance costs.

Camera security system that films interior and exterior views.

Global Positioning System.

Event Recorder (Black Box) that captures and records events and conditions of the vehicle in the case of incidents.

On-board hardware and software that improves fleet management capabilities.

Improved control and interior communication for train operators.

An improved regenerative braking system that feeds electrical power back into the overhead cantenary system.

Rail Operations

Metropolitan Transportation Authority

Rail Operations is committed to operate and maintain

a safe, clean and efficient transit system with professionalism,

courtesy and integrity throughout the Los Angeles region.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: [my e-mail address]

Sent: Monday, March 02, 2009 10:57 AM

To: Customer Relations

Subject: I have questions, comments or concerns about Metro. [automatic subject upon clicking "Contact Us."]

Hello,

I am a member of, and contributor to, an online rail discussion group:

Amtrak Unlimited Discussion Forum [link]

In addition to Amtrak issues we also have a topic area for Commuter rail/light rail/subway discussions. I recently posted a thread about Gold Line Eastside Extension testing. Among the responses was a question to which I did not know the answer, so I'm writing in hopes of finding help with it.

It applies to the Gold Line as a whole: How and why was the decision reached to purchase new rolling stock from AnsaldoBreda instead of procuring additional Siemens equipment?

Perhaps an unusual inquiry, but at the forum we're quite interested in such things, and I hope you'll be able to enlighten us, or direct me to someone for a reply.

Thank you for your consideration,

Patrick Galligan

Ventura

 

[amtrakwolverine]

GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRrrr the video stops 1/4 of the way and won't continue

 

[sechs]

Okay, folks, here's L.A. Metro's response to my inquiry regarding sechs' question (worded differently, as you can see). It is what it is.

Translation: Breda offered all of the bells and whistles that we wanted at a lower price.

Well, they're definitely better looking than the Siemens model.

 

[GG-1]

GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRrrr the video stops 1/4 of the way and won't continue

Aloha

I have seen that happen when a site getes very busy, try again later.

Good luck, it is interesting.

 

[amtrakwolverine]

GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRrrr the video stops 1/4 of the way and won't continue

Aloha

I have seen that happen when a site getes very busy, try again later.

Good luck, it is interesting.

yeah came back late and night and played all the way through.

 

[WhoozOn1st]

Okay, folks, here's L.A. Metro's response to my inquiry regarding sechs' question (worded differently, as you can see). It is what it is.

Translation: Breda offered all of the bells and whistles that we wanted at a lower price.

Well, they're definitely better looking than the Siemens model.

Here's a take on the AnsaldoBreda cars that's VERY different from the LACMTA party line that was essentially the response to my inquiry (posted above):

Mayor seeks a new chance for rail car maker

"After MTA decided not to exercise its options, the Italian company began intense lobbying."

Some interesting phrases used in the article to describe the new cars: ...significant design flaws...three years behind schedule...cars are too heavy...6,000 pounds heavier than specified in the contract, meaning they consume more energy...incompatible with those already in the Metro fleet [meaning the Siemens and Sumitomo cars]...concerned about the narrowness of the seats in the cars, the vehicles' reliability and their weight...

Sheesh!

 

[sechs]

AnsaldoBreda officials counter that they built the cars to the agency's specifications and the delay is caused by changes requested by MTA.

Sadly, likely to be true.

Maybe the MTA is getting a little buyer's remorse....

 

[WhoozOn1st]

Los Angeles Times columnist Tim Rutten is skeptical of AnsaldoBreda's lobbying efforts to continue building Gold Line cars.

Is an Italian rail company taking L.A. for a ride?

 

[WhoozOn1st]

Rail car firm gets contract extension

"Italy's AnsaldoBreda is granted a two-month reprieve in a deal to build 100 light-rail cars for the MTA."

 

[WhoozOn1st]

City considers Italian rail plant

Today's vote by L.A.'s Community Redevlopment Agency board could set the stage for AnsaldoBreda to construct a factory for building 100 light rail cars.

 

[WhoozOn1st]

In yet another lame case of apparent cutbacks at the L.A. Times, California Briefing items are now being lumped together online, as is already done with letters to the editor. To view the story below, please scroll down a bit.

Talks with Italian rail firm approved

"The tentative agreement approved by the CRA [Community Redevelopment Agency] board Thursday set the terms for the rail company to lease a prized parcel of city land -- a deal that would be executed only if the MTA board agrees, as early as next Thursday, to let AnsaldoBreda build the 100 cars."

 

[gswager]

City considers Italian rail plant
Today's vote by L.A.'s Community Redevlopment Agency board could set the stage for AnsaldoBreda to construct a factory for building 100 light rail cars.

Reading the details about the LA property between LA gov't and Italian AnsaldoBreda, I don't think it'll be a good deal since it's a 50 year lease. If you failed, the fines are hefty. Any opinions?

 

[WhoozOn1st]

Rail deal falters, firm sweetens bid

"AnsaldoBreda is hoping to land a $300-million contract, but the MTA chief recommends seeking bids from other firms, based on its performance on an earlier contract."

"In March, AnsaldoBreda's contract options were on the verge of expiring because of staff complaints that the 50 cars already being built under the firm's base contract are 5,000 to 6,000 pounds overweight, incompatible with MTA's other passenger cars and three years late."

 

[WhoozOn1st]

Luckily this MTA item leads the California Briefing section:

MTA to continue talks with Italian rail firm

"MTA chief Art Leahy told board members Thursday that although AnsaldoBreda has promised to fix the weight and compatibility issues for the cars, he could 'not find an adequate basis for having confidence that the pledges made would be achieved.'"

 

[WhoozOn1st]

The inauguration of revenue service looms, and there are safety concerns for the 6-mile Eastside Extension:

Getting Eastside ready for light rail

"Officials warn residents of East Los Angeles and Boyle Heights about reckless walking and driving on the tracks that could lead to tragedy."

L.A.'s Eastside is largely Latino - my Mexican mom grew up there - and a couple Spanish words in the article bear explanation. Pozole (po-SO-lay) is similar to menudo (meh-NOO-though); both soups - usually for breakfast - with beef tripe as a chief ingredient and said to cure hangovers. I won't touch the stuff. "Hijole!" (EE-ho-lay) is an exclamation that translates roughly as "Oh BOY!"

When I mention the Gold Line Extension to my mom I start getting stories about the White Fence Gang, zoot suits, her neighborhood panaderia (pah-nah-day-REE-ah - bakery), and riding the old L.A. Railway across the river to downtown to go to the movies on Broadway. When service kicks in me and the sister'll take her out to the Eastside on the train for a nostalgic look around her girlhood stomping grounds; family house and bakery both still there.

Items and photos from other publications:

Gold Line Extension Opening Stalled on Its Tracks Until 'This Summer'

Gold Line Extension Opening In June? Looking Dicey

 

[WhoozOn1st]

For readers with too much excitement in their lives, here's a fairly boring video of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and other VIPs on a recent tour of the Eastside Extension:

Dignitaries on Tour

The accompanying note says that "An opening date should be announced soon following additional testing."

 

[Spokker]

It sounds like this rail line has a personal element for you.