The board of Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) may approve a contract for the purchase of 45 railcars. SEPTA spokesman Andrew Busch said the agency is recommending that CRRC MA, a unit of China Railway Rolling Stock Corp, be awarded the contract based on technical rating and pricing.
CRRC MA will build the cars for USD 137.5 million, less that Bombardier’s offer (USD171.5 million) and Hyundai Rotem’s (USD 184.8 million). CRRC’s contract with SEPTA would include an option for another 10 cars for USD 23.5 million.
“A thorough technical review was completed for all proposals by SEPTA vehicle engineers. All three proposals SEPTA received were within the acceptable technical range. SEPTA staff has determined the CRRC proposal is the best value and most advantageous for the Authority, and is recommending the award based on technical rating and pricing,” Andrew Busch said.
CRRC MA Vice-President Jia Bo told the Philadelphia Inquirer that CRRC’s bid was lower because much of the design work will be done in China, there are strong existing relationships with suppliers, and the company will be sharing expenses among its other US rail projects.
Delivery of the SEPTA cars is expected to begin in the fall of 2019.
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