R9H-Discuss Potential Use Of Low Floor Trolley Vehicles For CMB Trolley Systemlf.*, ,*. ,;.x.m-re
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Ciry of Miomi Beoch, 1700 Convention Center Drive, Miomi Beoch, Florido 33139, www.miomibeochfl.gov
COMMISSION MEMORANDUM
To: Mayor Philip Levine and Members of the City Commission
FRoM: Jimmy L. Morales, City Manager K/ / /,
DATE: April 15,2015 /- ( I
SUBJECT: DISCUSSION REGARDING THE POTENTIAL USE OF LOW FLOOR TROLLEY
VEHICLES FOR THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH TROLLEY SYSTEM.
BACKGROUND
As a result of some feedback received from users of the Alton-West Trolley and North Beach
Trolley loop, the Administration has been working with the trolley Contractor to identify
amenities and service improvements that would enhance the quality of service provided. The
Contractor has recently identified that one of the main challenges to the on-time performance of
the service and that could use improvement is the operation of the current ln-step wheelchair lift
(hydraulic platform housed and deployed from within the trolley steps), which causes prolonged
stops and requires more space for passenger drop-off due to its design and operation.
The trolley vehicles currently being used for the Alton-West Trolley and North Beach Trolley
Loop are Classic American trolleys manufactured by Specialty Vehicles lnc. Given that a Middle
Beach Trolley route is under development and taking into consideration the aforementioned
operational challenges with the existing trolley vehicles, the Administration is considering the
possibility of discontinuing the current trolley vehicles and exploring the potential use of low-floor
trolley vehicles that can operate more efficiently in the constrained rights-of-way of Miami
Beach. The use of a low floor vehicle will allow for more convenient pick-up/drop-off of
passengers (including passengers with disabilities) in constrained rights-of-way. Low-floor
vehicles drop off passengers at grade, avoiding the need to deploy large wheelchair lifts for
disabled passengers. Low-floor vehicles are generally more expensive due to a heavier duty
chassis. All Miami-Dade Transit buses, for example, are low-floor buses.
ANALYSIS
The trolley vehicles used to provide service in Miami Beach are standard high-floor Classic
American vehicles that require the use of a wheelchair lift for disabled passengers. The price of
a new Classic American trolley is approximately $210,000.
Prior to 2015, only one type of low-floor trolley vehicle was available in the market - the Gillig
trolley replica, which is in essence a heavy duty bus wrapped with decals and branded to look
like a Classic American style trolley car. This type of vehicle is quoted at $450,000, more than
twice the capital cost of a Classic American Trolley. However, on January 2015, Hometown
Trolley manufactured its first low-floor vehicle. Upon request from City staff, Hometown provided
Agenda ttem Rq Hoatel-l-S-iF729
Commission Memorandum - Discussion Regarding the Potential Use of Low-floor Vehicles for the City of
Miami Beach Trolley System
April 1 5,2015
Page2 of 2
an estimated price range of $330,000 to $360,000 for a new low-floor trolley vehicle. Each
Hometown trolley can cost as much as $150,000 more than a Classic American Trolley. Both
trolley vehicles are equipped with an easy access foldable ramp. Brochures of both the Gillig
and Hometown Trolley vehicles have been attached for reference.
It is important to note that the capital cost of the trolley vehicles currently in service is being
amortized over the life of the contract with the City's trolley operator, Limousines of South
Florida lnc. (LSF) and that this capital cost is factored in the negotiated hourly rate of the
contract. Should the City Commission wish to discontinue the use of the Classic American
trolleys currently in service in lieu of low-floor trolley vehicles, LSF's hourly operating rate is
anticipated to increase by approximately 10-1SYo. For example, the annual operating cost of the
North Beach Trolley could increase from $1.6M to $1.84M. Additionally, a contract amendment
would be required.
CONCLUSION
The Administration is bringing this item before the City Commission for discussion.
Attachments:
A: Low-Floor Gillig Trolley Brochure
B: Low-Floor Hometown Trolley Brochure
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Attachment A
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Trolley Charm with Modern Conveniences
Cl.i'ttec'..':t so id o.'l< r-.r:;tt::.'nIfisr;' stl't'c'rior'':; c.;1-'e I
:igi:t:rq, ar-:d co',',rcatchor'. {.\LI -lr'ollt;' 1q'p1,"f. ilacj(.rge
co::tlliles clrssrc troiil";'x11i.1i1;11 '.,.,i1.it trtD Q;iility,:11f i] c,J'rir'1rr-
Oc:-il'y features of o.r, sliinclard tr';rnsit bus. Urrrier''',rlltg it:
'rcsiaigic si),lrng is ilre uilnro t,irir')sit"pr"oveir. reiiiii:le,
'reav)"-dLrt)/ btls iLal )/oLr i1il1r'U Conrt 1(] dCp;er-rii Ott. A GILIIG
CLiS \'rrtl Our il Clle), r'eplica rl;tCl<age ',r'iii C{: A Seflrniesl;
acicJitrol to yoLr {icct.
Or;r 'li'oiie;r rs available ir-r 29. 35. a;rd.i0 lerrgths, po'.,veteci
by Ciean Diese o:.Diesei'Electric f-lynr;d"
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A unitized stainless steel chassis with unique side impact
barrier adds strength and corrosion resistance to the Low Floor
bus and protects passengers in the event of a collision.
GILLIG's Low Floor body structure of lightweight, high-strength
aluminum with anodized side posts resists corrosion and
greatly simplifies collision repairs. lts reduced weight saves on
fuel costs and its aluminum components are recyclable.
The Driver's Station is comforl-
able and ergonomic. Controls
are convenient, easy-to-read,
and logically located to ensure
better vehicle control, ride
comfofi, and safety.
The Front Vestibule Area is
designed for quick and easy
entry and is one of the largest
in the industry. A 1:6 ramp
makes access even easier
and reduces dwell time.
Quick-Change Skid Panels
keep the bus out of the body
repair shop and back on the
road {or a potential collision
repair savings o{ $10.000/bus
over 12 years.
Standard-Sized Tires last up to
60% longer than low profile
tires, and their lower rolling
resistance saves fuel. Coupled
with a lighter body and an
efficient drivetrain, the labor
and fuel savings could equal
$24,000/bus over'l 2 years.
Maximum Seating
Maximum Height
Outside Turning Radius
Maximum Fuel Capacity
GVWR (lbs.)
28
(D) 132',. (H) 136"
30'
75 gal
{D, H) 3o,ooo
iDl - Diesel. ihl = Hybrd
Sp*Ctfrr:alrorrs iirr(i fe:i:.rf;5 ille lfr rHi,:r(ini)e Olt !,il:1,j Sijill*Cl iO (lltil,tilp irithOill :liltiCt Oi ilbll(ia1i.,l
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Proudly Made ln USA
25800 Clawiter Road
Hayward, CA 94545
510.785.1500
www.gillig.com
091 714732
Attachment B
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