Procurement of backup energy supplies for mass transit : Tren Urbano, a case study :

Abstract

This thesis embodies the results of extensive research and analysis on options and strategies for procuring backup energy supplies for the Tren Urbano, an urban heavy rail transit system under construction in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The Tren Urbano is designated as a Federal Transit Administration demonstration project because of the unique private role of the private sector in the design, construction, operations, and maintenance. The Tren Urbano is seen as a solution to the increasing traffic congestion and current lack of reliable public transportation in San Juan. The success of Tren Urbano will depend on a high degree of acceptance and usage by riders. Historically, Puerto Rico has suffered prolonged and frequent power outages due to extreme weather, a large demand on the island's isolated power grid, and reliance on a single power producing authority. Power disruptions will jeopardize public safety if passengers are stranded; loss of service and delays will compromise the public image of the train system. Therefore, reliable and adequate power supply is essential in ensuring Tren Urbano's reliability, safety, and positive public perception. This study addresses the critical need for backup power for TU, using as its starting point earlier engineering requirements which recommends 20 MW backup power split between two key locations. The thesis discusses procurement options .in general and then presents case studies of organizations from which the Tren Urbano Organization can draw valuable lessons about procuring backup power. A decision tree is derived by carefully analyzing and critically assessing various options open to Tren Urbano. A time line is developed for evaluating these options. From this study, two options emerge: 1) to go out and solicit bids for a backup power system using one of the following delivery methods: Design-Build/Turnkey or Design-Build-Operate/Design-Build-Operate-Maintain 2) to provide the backup power through a Siemens change order. Option 1 has the potential of saving 10 million dollars for the Tren Urbano Organization. This study takes into account legal, political, and technical issues. It is applicable even under possible departure from current engineering requirements, and as such provides the Tren Urbano Organization with an extremely useful and flexible decision-making template.