Transit & Rail Fleet Services

Transit & Rail Fleet Services

Transportation systems across the country face new challenges every day, from decarbonizing transit options to improving safety and increasing equitable access. At HNTB, we are committed to safety, sustainability and innovation, working with clients across the country to better connect people and place. From the acquisition and deployment of fleets to maintenance facility design and program management, we deliver transportation solutions that meet the unique needs of communities.

HNTB’s Services

Fleet Design and Engineering

Maintenance and Operations

Fleet Procurement and Overhaul

Program Management

Zero-Emission Vehicles and Infrastructure

Defining What We Do

Maintenance and Operations

HNTB is the industry leader in providing engineering and professional services support to develop fleet maintenance programs, perform condition assessments (state of good repair), fleet plans, accident and forensic investigations, operations and maintenance contract support and advisory services. Combining practical hands-on approaches with engineering principles and data analytics, HNTB provides innovative solutions that prioritize safety enhancements and operational efficiencies.

Fleet Procurement and Overhaul

HNTB provides subject matter expertise to support all capital investment needs associated with rail fleets (streetcar, light rail vehicles, rapid transit cars, commuter train sets or push/pull locomotive hauled fleets, intercity trains and high-speed trains) or bus fleets (diesel, zero-emission) and ferry fleets. HNTB is experienced in working with agencies to help identify their fleet priorities to ensure procurement is focused on efficient, safe and effective products for ridership. HNTB also partners with suppliers to help them understand the needs of agencies and to mediate procurement.

As demand for community connectivity and mass transit systems increases, agencies must ensure reliability and safety in their fleets. HNTB supports every stage of a vehicle’s life cycle, from engineering and manufacturing through testing, in-service maintenance and midlife overhaul. HNTB tackles all critical elements of design, including weight management, energy optimization, Americans with Disabilities Act compliance and maintainability, reliability and life cycle performance.

Fleet Design and Engineering Zero-Emission Vehicles and Infrastructure Program Management

HNTB supports agencies with the program management of fleet capital programs, general engineering services and fleet planning. When agencies are tasked with meeting numerous, challenging goals, HNTB provides access to a one-stop-shop of resources so solutions can be quickly identified while day-to-day service needs are met. HNTB is experienced in optimizing fleets to keep assets in primary condition and proactively addressing challenges to maintain reliable and efficient ridership services. HNTB has a diverse group of program managers, many of whom have experience at agencies or railroads, bringing a practical appreciation for the challenges programs face.

Zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) are an effective and efficient way for communities to reduce their carbon footprint. The transition to ZEVs requires more than just procuring new vehicles — the vehicles need to be met with new infrastructure in place and operational changes underway. HNTB partners with agencies on upfront planning to navigate this transition seamlessly and ensure goals are met. HNTB is at the forefront of zeroemission fleet technologies, providing clients direct access to industry best practices that can help agencies achieve operational and financial success.

Our Experts

David Diaz

Fleet and Facilities Practice Lead

30+ Years of Experience

Led major programs for: Amtrak, Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, NJ Transit, Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority, Caltrain, Sound Transit and New Mexico Rail Runner.

Steve Mudge

Fleet and Facilities Technical Director

30+ Years of Experience

Previous leader at the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, managing annual budget of $350+ million and overseeing administration of rail and ferry operating agreements.

Paul Kaufmann

Senior Director of Bus Fleets

40+ Years of Experience

Experienced roadway transit vehicle engineering leader, with expertise in the specification, procurement and operation of bus fleets and support facilities.

Previous senior director of bus equipment design and engineering for NJ Transit.

Eric Wrobley

Senior Project Manager

25+ Years of Experience

Previous mechanical engineer with the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority rehabilitating existing rapid transit cars, procuring new modern streetcars and disposing of aged rail cars.

Carlos Barrera

Senior Project Manager

20+ Years of Experience

Expertise in electrical engineering for rail equipment, to include locomotive, push-pull and self-propelled vehicles.

Amanda DeGiorgi

Senior Director, Zero Emissions Fleet and Facilities

8+ Years of Experience

Previous leader at Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority working on its Bus Facility Modernization Program, Transit Asset Management Improvement Plan and Facility Condition Assessments, Green Line Transit Signal Priority Implementation, as well as the Mattapan High-Speed Line Due Diligence and Initial Options Study.

Transit expertise tapped by the Federal Transit Administration to develop its Transit Asset Management Systems Handbook.

Anna Barry

Program Manager

40+ Years of Experience

Transportation program leader with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation

Previous deputy commissioner for the Connecticut Department of Transportation, improving and expanding the state’s intermodal system

Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority Ferry Overhaul

Massachusetts

HNTB is working with MBTA to provide project management, engineering and inspection services in support of the overhaul of two high-speed, 149-passenger ferries used in a commuter ferry service between Boston and the south shore of the city. MBTA needs to ensure the vessels comply with Federal Transit Administration requirements and that the weight of the vessel is within the structural design limit and the additional weight does not pose any safety concerns.

HNTB is providing a multidisciplinary team of experienced program and project managers, engineers, naval architects and inspectors in support of this project. The services include design reviews, first article inspections, test and inspection witness, project and configuration management, production and quality oversight, change order review and other support as required during this overhaul. At the close of the project, the vessels will return to service with an extended service life of 10 years of year-round service in the Boston Harbor.

Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority

Red Line Service Life Extension

Massachusetts

HNTB is assisting the MBTA’s team with the performance of a fleet condition assessment of Red Line vehicles and the development of a scope of work for an in-house targeted investment service life extension program. The investment program will aim to balance the need for safety and reliability with the understanding that the vehicles only have a few years of operation remaining. The assessment will target critical components for safety and reliability.

HNTB is inspecting the vehicles and documenting its findings. Particular attention is being paid to critical systems such as car body, trucks, air and brake systems, power systems, doors, controls, communications and other aspects that could have in-service failures, which negatively impact passengers.

Dallas Area Rapid Transit Winterization

Texas

DART recognized the increase in frequency and severity of extreme, inclement winter weather events and the impact these events had on its light rail operations. As a result, HNTB selected HNTB explore weatherizing options to protect the functionality of the light rail

system and vehicles during these occurrences. The study formally documented DART’s current practice on extreme weather events. This information was then used to identify additional winterization options, upgrades and modifications for the agency’s consideration.

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority Bus Procurement Support

Washington, D.C.

WMATA sought support to inform its bus procurement strategy. HNTB collaborated with WMATA to understand key factors contributing to the project schedule delay and provide actionable recommendations to mitigate

future procurement risks. HNTB’s review process was structured around objective data collection through interviews and contract documentation review.