Meeting_Body
OPERATIONS, SAFETY, AND CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE COMMITTEE
SEPTEMBER 17, 2026
Subject
SUBJECT: HI RAIL SWING LOADERS
Action
ACTION: AWARD CONTRACT
Heading
RECOMMENDATION
Title
AUTHORIZE the Chief Executive Officer to award a firm fixed price contract, Contract No. DR135489 for six swing loaders with hi-rail gears to SWNG Inc. (DBA Swingmaster), the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, for a total contract amount of $2,573,400, plus applicable California’s use tax, subject to the resolution of any properly submitted protest(s), if any.
Issue
ISSUE
This procurement is for the replacement and expansion of Metro-owned and operated swing loaders utilized by the Maintenance of Way (MOW) department to support Rail revenue services. This specialized equipment ensures that track maintenance personnel have the reliable tools necessary to perform daily track maintenance and respond to emergencies throughout Los Angeles County.
Given ongoing rail expansion, this equipment is vital to meet system integration milestones, adhering to project timelines, and supporting future maintenance demands. Additionally, the equipment will be used to maintain Metro’s rail tracks, ensuring full compliance with California Public Utility Commissions (CPUC) rules and regulations.
Background
BACKGROUND
Swing loaders equipped with hi-rail gearing are highly versatile, specialized vehicles designed to operate both on highway roads and directly on rail tracks. They are the primary workhorses for MOW track crews, used to lift and replace heavy rail ties, clear track debris, distribute ballast, and perform critical rail welding and maintenance operations.
Currently, Metro’s MOW department operates an aging fleet of swing loaders that have exceeded their useful life cycle, leading to increased maintenance downtime and higher repair costs. Replacing three of these legacy units is critical to avoiding service delays. Furthermore, with the ongoing expansion of Metro's rail network, including recent and upcoming extensions, three additional units are required to support the increased track mileage and keep pace with system integration milestones. MOW oversees 250 miles of main tracks and seven rail yards, with approximately 67 miles of tracks slated to be added in the near future.
Discussion
DISCUSSION
Findings
Metro issued an Invitation for Bids (IFB) to secure heavy-duty, utility-grade track maintenance vehicles. Bids were evaluated based on technical compliance, delivery timelines, and cost. SWNG Inc. was determined to be the lowest responsive and responsible bidder meeting all of Metro's technical specifications. The procured units will feature updated emissions-compliant engines, improved cabin safety structures, and advanced hi-rail guidance systems to optimize crew safety and operational efficiency.
Considerations
Without these replacement and expansion units, Metro faces a high risk of operational bottlenecks. Legacy equipment failures directly lead to extended maintenance windows, which can delay morning rail rollouts and disrupt passenger service. Additionally, expanding the fleet by three units is the minimum operational threshold required to properly service the newly added track miles across the expanding system.
Determination_Of_Safety_Impact
DETERMINATION OF SAFETY IMPACT
Approval of this contract will have a direct, positive impact on safety standards across Metro’s rail network. Track geometry, rail wear, and track bed stability require daily monitoring and remediation. Providing MOW crews with reliable swing loaders ensures that track defects are repaired swiftly, reducing the risk of slow zones, rail damage, or derailments. Maintaining this equipment is essential to ensuring full compliance with the CPUC General Orders governing track safety.
Financial_Impact
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The recommended award of $2,573,400, plus applicable California’s use tax, is budgeted within the Life of Project (LOP) limits for Capital Project 205668, 208613, and 208614, under Cost Center 3960 and 3790, Account 53102, Acquisition of Equipment.
Impact to Budget
The current source of funds for this action is funding from the Transportation Development Act. These funds are eligible for use on Capital and Operating expenses. Allocating these funds to this effort maximizes project funding use given approved provisions and guidelines.
Equity_Platform
EQUITY PLATFORM
This action will provide the support equipment to ensure the system remains in a state of good repair. By deploying these assets throughout the rail service area (A, C, E, B/D, K Lines, and Monrovia Yard), MOW departments can enhance maintenance efficiency and improve service reliability as the system expands. Ensuring a state of good repair is crucial to the system’s safety and directly impacts our riders, particularly those in Equity Focus Communities who primarily rely on public transit to meet their daily needs.
The Diversity and Economic Opportunity Department did not establish a Small Business Enterprise) / Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise goal for this solicitation 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 equipment purchase activities that will provide the essential maintenance machinery required to keep our rail lines safe, reliable, and operational. 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 recommendation supports Strategic Plan Goal #1: Provide high-quality mobility options that enable people to spend less time traveling. By modernizing and expanding Metro's maintenance fleet, MOW can conduct track repairs faster and more reliably, directly minimizing transit delays, reducing unplanned system disruptions, and improving overall passenger ride quality.
Alternatives_Considered
ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED
An alternative considered but not recommended is to lease the equipment. However, leasing introduces potential end-of-contract costs for wear and tear, body damage, and other liabilities, resulting in total expenses that exceed direct vehicle ownership. Furthermore, Metro would be unable to easily modify and reassign these highly specialized vehicles between different rail departments to meet distinct operational demands. This alternative would also lock Metro into a recurring contract cycle with the vendor, reducing long-term fleet flexibility. Therefore, leasing is not recommended.
Next_Steps
NEXT STEPS
Following the execution of the contract, the vendor will place an order for the equipment and commence delivery upon receipt from the manufacturer. The delivery of all six swing loaders is scheduled for mid-year 2027.
Attachments
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A - Procurement Summary
Attachment B - DEOD Summary
Prepared_by
Prepared by: Gary Jolly, Senior Executive Officer, (213) 922-5802
Matthew Dake, Deputy Chief Operations Officer, (213) 922-4061
Reviewed_By
Reviewed by: Conan Cheung, Chief Operations Officer, (213) 418-3034
Mat Antonelli, Chief Vendor/Contract Management Officer,
(213) 893-7114
