Meeting_Body
OPERATIONS, SAFETY, AND CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE COMMITTEE
JANUARY 15, 2026
Subject
SUBJECT: 7TH STREET METRO CENTER TRACTION POWER SUBSTATION (TPSS) REPLACEMENT PROJECT
Action
ACTION: AWARD CONTRACT
Heading
RECOMMENDATION
Title
AUTHORIZE the Chief Executive Officer to:
A. AWARD a two-year firm fixed price contract, Contract No. OP134899000 to L. K. Comstock National Transit, LLC, the lowest responsive and responsible bidder for the 7th Street Metro Traction Power Substation (TPSS) replacement project on the Metro A Line, in the amount of $16,501,575, inclusive of sales tax, subject to the resolution of any properly submitted protest(s), if any; and
B. INCREASE the Life of Project Budget (LOP) for the Metro A Line 7th Metro Traction Power Substations Replacement and Project 205127 by $14,245,111, increasing the Life of Project (LOP) from $7,860,000 to $22,105,111.
Issue
ISSUE
The existing A Line 7th Street Metro TPSS equipment is approximately 35 years old, reaching the end of useful life and requiring replacement. In addition to equipment within the Traction Power Substation, three Direct Current (DC) disconnect switches near the Light Rail tunnel portal must be replaced in their entirety, and updates are required to the existing Emergency Trip System (ETS) to maintain proper operational service and safety.
Background
BACKGROUND
The Metro A Line 7th Metro Traction Power Substations Replacement Project is a Capital Improvement Project aimed at replacing the original A Line, Light Rail Traction Power equipment, which is approaching the end of its useful life. The existing TPSS equipment was installed during the construction of the A Line, which began revenue service in 1990. The project will involve the design, manufacture, removal, and installation of new TPSS equipment featuring the latest technology. These upgrades are intended to improve energy efficiency and reliability, with an expected service life of 30 years.
In May 2021, the Board approved the Metro A Line 7th Metro Traction Power Substations Replacement Project with an LOP budget of $7,860,000.00 as part of the FY22 fiscal year budget adoption. This initial LOP budget was based on the engineering estimate for replacing Light Rail TPSS . Subsequently the Metro A Line 7th Metro Light Rail Traction Power project scope was expanded to include the replacement of Heavy Rail Traction Power system at 7th Metro and enhance the safety system on Light Rail to interface with Regional Connecter Traction Power system.
Discussion
DISCUSSION
The 7th Street Metro Traction Power Substation is an existing facility and provides Traction Power to Metro A Line North, and B and D Lines. The original scope was for the replacement of Light Rail Traction Power system (A Line North). The added scope is to provide Traction Power to B and D Lines and include power redundancy for prevent degradation of services during maintenance.
The project will involve the design, manufacture, removal, and installation of new TPSS equipment that provides traction power primarily to the underground portion of Metro A Line, and B and D Lines train operation. The substation is critical to the operation of the rail line and will include the installation of the latest TPSS technology for the improvement of efficiency and energy usage. Project planned schedule will begin construction in 2026 through 2028.
A $22,105,111 budget need has been determined based on the necessary project scope and the negotiated amount for Contract No. OP134899000.
Determination_Of_Safety_Impact
DETERMINATION OF SAFETY IMPACT
In accordance with Metro’s State of Good Repair (SGR) requirements and Transit Asset Management (TAM) Plan, the 7th Street Metro TPSS equipment is reaching the end of its useful life and must be replaced promptly to comply with safety and reliability standards, alongside meeting California Public Utilities Commission regulations. Replacement of the TPSS equipment will enhance safety and will also ensure reliable power delivery to Light Rail Vehicles (LRVs) on the Metro A Line.
Financial_Impact
FINANCIAL IMPACT
A total of $22,105,111is needed for this action. The budget is contained in Capital Project 205127 - Metro Blue Line 7th Metro Traction Power Substation Replacement. The Life of Project (LOP) budget is $7,860,000 and will require an LOP increase of $14,245,111. The adopted FY26 budget includes annual funding of $1,304,944 for this project.
Since this is a multi-year project, the Project Manager will ensure that the balance of the funds is budgeted in future fiscal years.
Impact to Budget
The current source of funds for this action is Proposition A 35%, which is eligible for rail operations and Capital Projects. Use of Federal, State, and other local funding sources currently maximizes funding allocations given approved funding provisions and guidelines.
Equity_Platform
EQUITY PLATFORM
Metro A Line 7th Metro Traction Power Substation is located in Downtown Los Angeles. This area serves 42% zero-vehicle households and is a vital transfer point to multiple bus and rail lines, supporting the mobility of workers, students, and residents. Replacing the TPSS units will enhance transportation reliability, directly benefiting these riders.
The Diversity & Economic Opportunity Department (DEOD) recommended a 12% Small Business Enterprise (SBE) goal and a 3% Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) goal for this procurement. The solicitation was also subject to Metro’s Local Small Business Enterprise (LSBE) program. The recommended firm, L. K. Comstock National Transit LLC, exceeded the goals by making a 12.35% SBE commitment and a 3.17% DVBE commitment.
Vehicle_Miles_Traveled _Outcome
VEHICLE MILES TRAVELED OUTCOME
VMT and VMT per capita in Los Angeles County are lower than national averages, the lowest in the SCAG region, and on the lower end of VMT per capita statewide, with these declining VMT trends due in part to Metro’s significant investment in rail and bus transit. * Metro’s Board-adopted VMT reduction targets align with California’s statewide climate goals, including achieving carbon neutrality by 2045. To ensure continued progress, all Board items are assessed for their potential impact on VMT.
As part of these ongoing efforts, this item is expected to contribute to further reductions in VMT. This item supports Metro’s systemwide strategy to reduce VMT through capital improvement investments to replace Metro A Line 7th Metro Traction Power Substation. These capital improvement investments further encourage transit ridership, ridesharing, and active transportation. Metro’s Board-adopted VMT reduction targets were designed to build on the success of existing investments, and this item aligns with those objectives.
*Based on population estimates from the United States Census and VMT estimates from Caltrans’ Highway Performance Monitoring System (HPMS) data between 2001-2019.
Implementation_of_Strategic_Plan_Goals
IMPLEMENTATION OF STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS
Approval of this recommendation supports the following Metro Strategic Plan Goals:
Goal # 1 Provide high-quality mobility options that enable people to spend less time traveling.
Goal # 2 Deliver outstanding trip experiences for all users of the transportation system.
Goal # 3 Enhance communities and lives through mobility and access to opportunity.
This project helps maintain system service, reliability and safety standards to provide a world-class transportation system that enhances the quality of life for all who live, work, and play within Los Angeles County.
Alternatives_Considered
ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED
Staff considered not replacing the A Line 7th Street Metro TPSS, but this is not recommended. The existing TPSS equipment was installed during the construction of the A Line, which began revenue service in 1990. The equipment is 35 years old and is reaching the end of its useful life and must be replaced promptly to comply with safety and reliability standards, alongside meeting California Public Utilities Commission regulations. Not replacing this equipment would negatively impact rail operations and result in safety and reliability service interruptions.
Next_Steps
NEXT STEPS
Upon approval of the recommendation, Vendor/Contract Management (V/CM) will execute Contract No. OP134899000.
Attachments
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A - Procurement Summary
Attachment B - DEOD Summary
Attachment C - Project Expenditure Plan
Prepared_by
Prepared by: Daniela Amores, Senior Director Project Control, (213) 617-6283
Geyner Paz, Chief Administrative Analyst, (213) 922-3744
Kelvin Zan, Executive Officer, Projects Engineering, (213) 617-6264
Errol Taylor, Deputy Chief Operations Officer, Infrastructure Maintenance and Engineering, (213) 922-3227
Debra Avila, Deputy Chief Vendor/Contract Management Officer, (213) 418-3051
Reviewed_By
Reviewed by: Conan Cheung, Chief Operations Officer, (213) 418-3034
