Meeting_Body
OPERATIONS, SAFETY, AND CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE COMMITTEE
JULY 16, 2026
Subject
SUBJECT: A LINE GATE MECHANISM REPLACEMENT
Action
ACTION: AWARD CONTRACT
Heading
RECOMMENDATION
Title
AUTHORIZE the Chief Executive Officer to AWARD a 12-month firm-fixed price contract, Contract No. OP140266000, to Siemens Mobility, Inc., for the purchase of gate mechanism assemblies and accessories, for the replacement of the A Line at-grade crossing gate mechanisms in the Not-To-Exceed (NTE) amount of $3,195,702.00, inclusive of sales tax, and subject to the resolution of any properly submitted protest(s).
Issue
ISSUE
The existing gate mechanisms at 49 grade crossings along the Metro A Line North segment, from Avenue 33 to Del Mar Boulevard, and the A Line South segment, from 20th Street to Spring Street, are nearing the end of their useful life. Replacement of these gate mechanisms is necessary to maintain safe, reliable, and regulatory-compliant at-grade crossing operations. Gate mechanisms are safety-critical systems that control vehicular and pedestrian access at railroad crossings. Maintaining these systems in good repair supports continued operational safety and regulatory compliance with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) requirements.
Background
BACKGROUND
A gate mechanism is a motorized railroad crossing assembly that controls the vertical movement of the crossing gate arm. The mechanism lowers the gate arm to restrict roadway and pedestrian traffic at intersections during train movements and raises the arm once the crossing is clear.
The currently installed gate mechanisms remain functional. However, they are aging, and support from the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) is no longer available. In addition, replacement parts for the existing Siemens S-40 gate mechanisms are obsolete and increasingly difficult to obtain. As a result, Metro must replace the existing Siemens S-40 gate mechanisms with the current-generation Siemens S-80 model, which requires purchasing new mechanisms.
Discussion
DISCUSSION
The gate mechanism replacement work involves upgrading 49 at-grade crossings and replacing 246 gate mechanisms with the Siemens S-80 smart grade crossing gate mechanism. This latest-generation model is designed to improve reliability and reduce maintenance needs. The S-80 has fewer mechanical wear points due to its brushless DC motor, permanently lubricated drivetrain, sealed gearbox, and fully programmable operation, reducing the need for routine mechanical adjustments.
The gate mechanism replacement work also supports Metro’s continued transition toward predictive maintenance. Metro has piloted a predictive maintenance program using remote condition monitoring for track switch assets at the Downtown Area Flower Junction and A Line North Citrus interlockings. The pilot demonstrated the effectiveness of continuous asset monitoring in reducing unplanned equipment failures and optimizing targeted continuous-based inspections rather than routine inspections. Metro plans to implement a phased expansion of remote condition monitoring to additional rail infrastructure assets to improve system reliability, optimize maintenance resources, and extend the life of critical infrastructure.
The S-80 model includes onboard diagnostics and communication capabilities that allow Maintenance of Way (MOW) crews to monitor equipment performance, receive alerts, troubleshoot issues, and identify potential equipment degradation. These capabilities help maintenance activities be performed more efficiently and proactively. This work is part of Metro’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP), which invests in the modernization, enhancement, and renewal of transit infrastructure assets.
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 Metro A Line gate mechanisms are reaching the end of their useful life. They must be replaced to support safe vehicular and pedestrian crossing operations. Maintaining reliable cross-gate operation reduces the risk of gate malfunctions and provides for safe separation between trains, vehicles, and pedestrians.
Financial_Impact
FINANCIAL IMPACT
A total of $3,195,702.00 is needed to award Contract No. OP140266000. Funding for this contract is included in the Infrastructure Renewal Program under Cost Center 3960. It is budgeted across two capital projects: 205680 - Metro A Line North (formerly Gold Line Gate Mechanism), and 205693 - Metro A Line South (formerly Blue Line Gate Mechanism). The combined LOP budget is $10,640,000, which is within the project budget.
Since this is a multi-year contract, the Project Manager will ensure that the remaining funds are budgeted for future fiscal years.
Impact to Budget
The current funding source for this action is Proposition A 35%, which is eligible for rail operating and capital projects.
Equity_Platform
EQUITY PLATFORM
The equity benefits of this action include replacing and modernizing safety-critical crossing gate mechanisms on the Metro A Line, which serves a high concentration of Equity Focus Communities (EFCs), including Long Beach, Compton, Los Angeles, Highland Park, South Pasadena, and Pasadena.
Based on Metro’s Equity Need Index (MENI) map, the A Line serves communities where, on average, more than 50% of households are low-income, and approximately 64% of residents identify as Black, Indigenous, or other People of Color (BIPOC). These communities represent a significant share of Metro’s transit riders and directly benefit from continued investment in safe and reliable rail operations.
The Diversity & Economic Opportunity Department (DEOD) did not recommend any Small Business Enterprise (SBE) or Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) goals for this procurement due to the lack of subcontracting opportunities.
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 the A Line at-grade crossing gate mechanisms. 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
This project helps maintain system service, reliability, and safety standards, providing a world-class transportation system that enhances the quality of life for all who live, work, and play in Los Angeles County. 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.
Alternatives_Considered
ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED
No other alternatives were considered, since the existing gate mechanisms at the 49 at-grade crossings along the Metro A Line are obsolete and will become increasingly prone to failure if not replaced as planned. The original equipment manufacturer (OEM) no longer supports the legacy model currently in operation, and replacement parts are expected to become increasingly difficult to obtain. Replacement with the latest-generation model is the only viable option for maintaining operational safety, reliability, and compliance with applicable railroad regulations.
If this contract is not approved, Metro would continue to rely on obsolete gate mechanisms, increasing the risk of failures, service disruptions, and safety hazards at vehicular and pedestrian at-grade crossings.
Next_Steps
NEXT STEPS
Upon Board approval of the recommendation, Vendor/Contract Management (V/CM) will award Contract IFB No. OP140266000.
Attachments
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A - Procurement Summary
Attachment B - DEOD Summary
Prepared_by
Prepared by:
Aderemi Omotayo, Deputy Executive Officer, Wayside Systems Engineering and Maintenance, (213) 922 - 3243
Kelvin Zan, Executive Officer, Projects Engineering (213) 613-2115
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
