ABQ RIDE

I don't see what is really the point of tendering out such contracts for bids then if is going to give the contract to Kawasaki anyway. In fact, I am beginning to suspect that the numerous delays could be due to some possible bid rigging going on to give Kawasaki an unfair advantage. We will see how this turns out.

We can't assume they will automatically be assigned to the same facilities currently served by the R32 and R42 fleet. The only one we know for sure is ENY since the (J)/(Z) are not compatible with 75-foot cars. Any other yard is a wild guess. It has been officially stated that Jamaica wants to go 100% R160, and to meet that goal, you would have to pull them out of Coney Island. Thus, the R179s can easily fill in the void at Coney Island left by moving the R160s to Jamaica, and Jamaica can give its R46s to 207th Street and the SIR. While I understand I am speculating, my line assignments simply make logical sense for simplicity.

The R179 should replace all R32s and R42s, and I believe that some will displace some R46s to the SIR. After all, has confirmed that some R46s will be overhauled for the SIR. Here are the line assignments for the B Division I would expect after all R179s are delivered: R46 - , , and SIR R68 - (, , , and R68A - ( R143 - R160 - , , , , , , , and R179 - , , , and In this way, Jamaica goes all R160 where the and give up their R160s to the , , and , and the new R179s are assigned to them. Considering the and got shafed in the R160 order, I wouldn't be surprised if it happens again.

As a side question, why did NYCT choose to go with manual rollsigns on the R62/R62A/R68/R68A instead of motorized ones like what the R44/R46 originally had? Was there a reliability problem with the motorized signs?

Actually, initial R62 and R62A replacement is currently planned for 2023, so it isn't quite 20 years from now. Probably by the time the R211s (R46 replacement) are delivered in 2015, a new contract number will be assigned for the R62/R62A replacement. Also, the red/green LED border would come in handy for the and , otherwise it was a big waste of money, since the and don't have diamond services anymore (don't think the ever had one).

Of course, NYCT would have to install new wiring to install new destination signs on the R62A. The R44/R46 had motorized rollsigns, and NYCT simply used the existing wiring to power the LCD signs. The R62/R62A, on the other hand, have manual rollsigns. I agree that the would be the ideal route for the R62As. The and swap cars frequently, and it would be a total nightmare for subway operators if one or both of those lines were to switch to R62As.

Nothing personal. Lets hope it isn't AnsaldoBreda.

Just award the contract to Bombardier and get it over with! Enough with this silly game of favoritism towards Kawasaki!:mad::mad::mad:

Well, it's now July, so does anyone have any insider info? Hopefully it doesn't get pushed back again.

I was wondering, I just made a post about SIR not getting R179s on subchat, and they don't believe it. I even posted a link to the 2010-2014 capital plan, and they are saying it is just a rumor. Is there any particular reason why?

Yes, that is what I have read. The R179 will replace the R32 and R42, and will displace some R46s to the SIR to replace the R44s. The R211 will replace the R46 at least in the main NYCT fleet; I don't know about the SIR. Initial replacement of the R62/R62A fleet should begin in 2023, and the R68/R68A replacement should begin around 2025.

Don't forget the R211s as well, which will replace the R46s. The R211 design draft is expected next year, and the order should probably be awarded in 2013, with deliveries in 2015. From what I heard, initial replacement of the R62/R62A won't begin until around 2023.

I still think it will probably be Kawasaki, although the earthquake/tsunami might make it somewhat less likely. Kawasaki after all will be busy with the R188, and maybe Bombardier, Alstom, or Siemens might be more able to meet NYCT's R179 delivery schedule.

Well, it is April now; does anyone have a specific date when the award of the contract should be announced? Or has it been delayed again?

If the contract doesn't go to Kawasaki, Bombardier, or Alstom, here are some additional options: Nippon Sharyo Ansaldobreda (hopefully not) Škoda Siemens Changchun Railway Vehicles CSR Sifang Tokyu Car Corporation Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles

Well, they made LA Metro's P865 and P2020 light rail cars. Nippon Sharyo railcars are heavily used in Tokyo and Nagoya.

While I am still rooting for Bombardier, I wonder why nobody has suggested Nippon Sharyo yet.

As an idea, if CDTA eventually plans on using articulated buses, perhaps they can piggyback on some of ABQ RIDE's New Flyer hybrid artic options. Both MBTA in Boston and RTC Ride in Reno did exactly that. Yes, I know CDTA is mostly a loyal Gillig customer, but Gillig doesn't make artics.

So, has it been confirmed yet that the R62As will be going to the ? It seems to make the most sense, considering that they ran on the before and the fact that they had green/red circle/diamond indicators installed, which would be useful for the (6)/<6>. The (2)/(5) don't make any sense considering they often share cars, and it would be an operational nightmare to constantly change rollsigns. The might be a possibility, though I still think the would be more likely.

I'm guessing the R46s will most likely see service on the , , and SIR after the R179 delivery, is that correct?

So, should it be announced sometime in late April?

Well, it is almost the end of January, and NYCT still hasn't announced who won the R179 contract. I hope it is Bombardier, but judging by NYCT's most recent orders, it will probably be Kawasaki.