California State Rail Plan 2005-06 to 2015-16

Chapter II – Capital Program
at eight years and is called the mid-life overhaul. Thus, the overhaul program is
ongoing, and in each year different cars and components receive an overhaul.
Funding for the overhaul program varies by budget year based on the specific
overhauls planned for that particular budget year. The overhaul program has been
funded through PTA funds appropriated each year by the Budget Act. Article XIX
of the State Constitution prohibits the use of SHA funds for mass transit vehicle
acquisition or maintenance. Thus, SHA funds cannot be used for the overhaul
program, nor is there any dedicated funding source for the overhaul work needed
in the future as the equipment ages.
In 2003-04, the Department contracted for the mid-life (eight-year) overhaul of the
original 66 California Cars. Design, engineering and the completion of the
overhaul and testing of the four pilot (prototype) cars (cab, coach, foodservice and
baggage) was completed in 2004-05. Regular production completed in 2007.
This overhaul cycle includes many mechanical components; heavy cleaning of
vehicle interior including upholstery and carpets; rebuilding and new flooring in
toilet rooms; new side door and end door operating systems; 110 volt convenience
outlets at every seat; as well as other additions and improvements to the cars.
The Department oversees and inspects the contractor’s overhaul work.
In early 2004, the Department completed the mid-life overhaul of the nine original
F59PHI locomotives acquired in 1994-95. This project improved both the
reliability and appearance of the locomotives, with graphics that match the new
F59PHIs. Additionally, the locomotives were upgraded to the same standard as
the new locomotives. Also, the remote locomotive health monitoring system
currently in place on the six new F59PHI locomotives was installed on the nine
locomotives in 2003-04.
In future years, the newer 22 cars (12 in the Northern California fleet and ten in
the Southern California fleet) will need their mid-life overhaul as will the
remaining eight locomotives.
Figure 2D provides information on the overhaul program. For the ten-year period,
it shows annual funding needs and the number of vehicles needing overhaul.
The funding includes costs for all overhaul cycles – the eight year mid-life cycle
as well as other cycles for specific components. The figure also shows the number
of cars and locomotives scheduled for heavy overhaul each year under the various
overhaul cycles. The figure assumes that equipment purchases projected in the
ten-year capital plan will be made and overhaul of this equipment will begin
within the ten-year period.
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