Meeting_Body
OPERATIONS, SAFETY, AND CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE COMMITTEE
FEBRUARY 20, 2025
Subject
SUBJECT: OPEN ACCESS LEASABLE FIBER
Action
ACTION: RECEIVE AND FILE
Heading
RECOMMENDATION
Title
RECEIVE AND FILE the report on the feasibility of providing open-access leasable fiber along the A Line South public right-of-way that could be accessed by City and County agencies.
Issue
ISSUE
At its July 2024 meeting, the Board directed staff to report on the feasibility of open-access leasable fiber. The findings are that it is not feasible.
Background
BACKGROUND
In the July 2024 Board Report, staff submitted a request to establish a Life of Project budget of $65,350,000 to implement the Communication Transmission System (CTS) upgrade, including installing a new fiber backbone on the Metro A, B, and D lines. The Board approved the request, as amended by Directors Dupont-Walker, Mitchell, and Butts, to report back on the feasibility of identifying areas along the public right-of-way where open access leasable fiber could be accessed by City and County agencies.
Discussion
DISCUSSION
Staff conducted a feasibility study on installing an additional fiber optic cable with 432 strands available along the 22-mile A Line South alignment for lease and usage by the City and County agencies, which could be accessed near the Communications Equipment Rooms at the A Line South stations. This cable would be installed in existing underground conduits and manholes, which are also used for Metro's internal fiber optic cables. After reviewing the as-built drawings and conducting field surveys, the team found significant issues with providing leasable fiber as outlined below:
Financial and Resource Implications
Metro staff would be required to take on additional responsibilities and costs to maintain and repair the leasable fibers, conduits, inner ducts, as well as cable termination points. Given the department's current and projected workload, staff does not have the...
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