Zero Emissions Bus Project • Santa Clara, CA
Agency: Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority
Soteria’s Role: Provided Safety Certification Support for hydrogen fuel cell buses, a maintenance facility, and a hydrogen fueling island
Completion Date: 2005
The Zero Emissions Bus Project was a demonstration project to develop and demonstrate advanced charging controls and reduced costs through deploying an integrated, smart charging platform. The Project also informed VTA’s long-term electric bus infrastructure strategy for comprehensive bus electrification.
The state approved the fuel-cell experiment in 2000, with VTA and SamTrans each contributing $6 million to the project and with federal and state money covering the final $6 million. Hybrid buses running on diesel and electricity weren’t included in the demonstration since those buses contribute more to smog levels than do hydrogen buses.
The three zero-emission buses began running in 2005 in Santa Clara County, from express routes to its most heavily traveled lines.
Soteria led the Safety Certification Program for the hydrogen fuel cell buses, a maintenance facility, and a hydrogen fueling island.
Redlands Passenger Rail Project • San Bernardino, CA
Agency: San Bernardino County Transit Authority (SBCTA)
Soteria’s Role: System safety and security planning, analysis, and certification during design, construction, testing, and start-up.
Completion Date: 2022
SBCTA’s Redlands Passenger Rail Project (RPRP) developed and implemented a modern, safe, and reliable passenger rail transit system to connect the San Bernardino Transit Center (SBTC) and the University of Redlands.
The Project’s system was designed to take advantage of an existing but underutilized railroad line originally constructed in 1888 by the Santa Fe Railway to serve the region’s then rapidly growing population and citrus economy. In 1993 SBCTA acquired the railroad line from the Santa Fe Railway and began preliminary studies on how to turn the potential in this line into improved mobility and reduced traffic congestion.
The Project’s service model is a frequent-headway diesel multiple unit (HCV) commuter service operating between San Bernardino and Redlands, augmented by a limited number of Metrolink conventional express trains providing access to its region-wide network. This model also preserves limited freight service for the remaining customers on the line.
As part of the Construction Management team, Soteria provided safety and security planning, analysis, and certification services. We led the safety and security program for the design and construction phases of the project. All services were performed in accordance with SCRRA, CPUC, FRA and FTA guidelines, regulations, policies, procedures, manuals, and standards.
Soteria’s responsibilities included the following tasks and activities:
- Safety and Security Certification Program Plan – Support and facilitate the preparation of the SSCPP and update the document as required during project duration.
- Preliminary Hazard Analysis (PHA) Report – Support and facilitate the preparation of a PHA and coordinate its compliance with final design, construction, and testing.
- Threat and Vulnerability Analysis (TVA) Report – Support and facilitate the preparation of a TVA and verify compliance with final design, construction, and testing.
- Operating Hazard Analysis (OHA) – Support and facilitate the preparation of an OHA and review the draft and final analysis. Verify compliance with final design and as constructed improvements.
- Safety and Security Certification Review Team (SSCRT) Support – Provide key lead / support for the SSCRT meetings, including scheduling, meeting minutes, and presentation of final certification packages.
- Fire / Life Safety (F/LS) Committee Support – Schedule meetings, prepare meeting minutes, and facilitate resolution of action items.
- Design Criteria Conformance Checklists – Develop and prepare Safety and Security Certification Design Checklists. Coordinate and facilitate Checklist verification, audits, and certification of completed checklists, including presentation at SSCRT meetings for final acceptance.
- Construction / Specification Conformance Checklists – Coordinate and facilitate Checklist verification, audits, and certification of completed checklists, including presentation at SSCRT meetings for final acceptance.
- Provide reviews of in-progress design plans and specifications. Develop language for the contractor safety/security requirements in the construction specifications.
Metro Crenshaw/LAX Transit Corridor Project • Los Angeles, CA
Agency: Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA)
Soteria’s Role: System safety and security planning, analysis, and security. Reliability, availability, and maintainability.
Completion Date: Three phases completed 2022 – 2024
The Metro Crenshaw/LAX Transit Corridor project is an 8.5-mile light commuter rail line that runs between the Expo Line on Exposition Blvd and the Metro Green Line. The southern end of the new line follows along a portion of an abandoned BNSF freight line until it reaches the intersection of West 67th Street and Crenshaw Blvd. From the intersection of West 67th Street and Crenshaw Blvd, the line continues north along Crenshaw Blvd where it will tie in to the Expo line at West Exposition Blvd.
Additional construction elements of the project consist of 5.5 miles of at-grade track with 16 grade crossings, 3600’ of bridge, 4600’ of U-wall, 4700’ of cut & cover trench, and 6000’ of bored tunnel. Systems for the project include 10 Traction Power Sub-Stations, train control and signals, traffic signals and grade crossing protection, communications, and a Metro- furnished and installed fare collection system. The Crenshaw/LAX Transit Project will serve the Crenshaw District, Inglewood, Westchester and surrounding area with the following eight stations:
- Expo/Crenshaw
- Martin Luther King Jr.
- Leimert Park
- Hyde Park
- Fairview Heights
- Downtown Inglewood
- Westchester/Veterans
- Aviation/Century
Schedule for Completion
- Fall of 2022: Expo/Crenshaw Station to Westchester/Veterans Station
- Fall of 2023: Rail service extension from Westchester/Veterans Station to Green Line Aviation Station
- Late 2024: Opening of the AMC Station to the public
Soteria Company led the system safety, security and assurance planning, analysis, and certification through all phases of the safety and security certification process through design and construction and start-up. We were also responsible for the reliability and maintainability planning, analysis, and demonstration program. Soteria was a subcontractor to the Design-Build contractor, Walsh-Shea Corridor Constructors JV, and led the following system safety and security planning, analysis, and security tasks for the project:
- Developed and implemented the Safety and Security Certification Compliance Plan, covering all systems and facilities and including all project phases from design through construction, testing, and start-up.
- Developed the Design Criteria Conformance Checklists. Coordinated and facilitated the verification, audit, and certification of the checklists, including presentation at certification meetings for final acceptance by Metro and the CPUC.
- Developed the Construction Specification Conformance Checklists. Coordinated and facilitated the verification, audit, and certification of completed checklists, including presentation at certification meetings for final acceptance by Metro and the CPUC. Checklists were kept in an online Access database viewable by authorized project staff and stakeholders. Checklist verification utilized the project’s tablet-based field inspection application, which supports the creation of online document verification files.
- Developed and facilitated the Verification Checklist for Testing Activities, including audits and final certification.
- Developed and prepared the Safety and Security Certification Verification Report (SSCVR) for acceptance by Metro and the CPUC.
- Organized, facilitated, and supported the Safety and Security Certification Review Team (SSCRT) meetings. Led meetings and prepared meeting notices, minutes, and materials for regular meetings throughout the project duration.
- Organized, facilitated, and supported the Fire Life Safety and Security Committee (FLSSC) meetings. Led meetings and prepared meeting notices, minutes, and materials for regular meetings throughout the project duration.
- Prepared Preliminary Hazard Analysis (PHA) for all project systems and facilities. Updated and verified compliance with final design. Coordinated and facilitated final verification of hazard mitigations prior to revenue operations. Facilitated and documented audits and presented for certification.
- Facilitated and prepared Threat and Vulnerability Assessment (TVA), including field assessments and workshops with Metro, local law enforcement and design team participants. Updated and verified compliance with final design. Coordinated and facilitated final verification of hazard mitigations prior to revenue operations. Facilitated and documented audits and presented for certification.
- Prepared Operating Hazard Analysis (OHA) to assess and mitigate the effects of potential human errors on system safety. Developed draft and final reports and verified compliance with final design, training and O&M manual requirements. Used as a checklist to guide operational readiness and facilitate final verification of hazard mitigations prior to revenue operations. Facilitated and documented audits and presented for certification.
Soteria led the following Reliability, Availability and Maintainability tasks:
- Developed, prepared, and implemented the Reliability, Availability, Maintainability, and Demonstration (RAMD) Plan. Included specific reliability and availability goals for all critical systems and equipment.
- Prepared Reliability and Availability Analyses for all communications, train control and traction power systems and equipment. Updated analyses as required for system changes.
- Developed, prepared, and implemented Reliability and Maintainability Demonstration Plans, including preparation of final reports.
- Developed and prepared an overarching System Software Verification and Validation Plan (SVVP) for the project. The SVVP includes developing and facilitating a consistent V&V process for all processor-based systems. The SVVP ensures that all software is adequately tested prior to final acceptance and that software configuration management controls are implemented to ensure that final delivery of software systems is properly documented and controlled.
- Developed and prepared a Maintainability Plan for the Train Control System and Communications Systems.
- Developed and prepared Failure Mode Effects and Criticality Analysis (FMECA) for Train Control, Communications, Traction Power, and Emergency Ventilation systems.
- Developed and prepared quantitative Fault Tree Analysis (FTA), as required, to supplement the FMECAs and resolve any outstanding reliability or safety issues.
- Oversaw and implemented the RAMD Demonstration Test for one year beyond the start of revenue operations. Held failure resolution meetings and documented results of demonstration via the Failure Reporting, Analysis, and Corrective Action System (FRACAS).
- Prepared a final RAMD Demonstration Test Report.
Valley Metro Rail
Agency: Valley Metro Rail, Phoenix Metropolitan Area
Soteria’s Role: System Safety and Certification Support. Reliability, Availability and Maintainability Analysis
Completion Date: 2020
Valley Metro has several Light Rail projects that require systems design work associated with the existing alignment and new extensions. The light rail extension projects include Capitol/I-10 West, Northwest Phase 2, South Central in Phoenix, and others as assigned.
The Project includes stations, Park and Rides (PNRs), embedded trackwork, traction power substations, signals for crossovers and at gated intersections, communications, and ticket vending machines. The system elements shall be consistent and seamlessly compatible with existing Valley Metro corridors and systems.
Soteria provided a technical review of the completed and verified Design Criteria Conformance Checklists for the following systems:
- Signaling System
- Communications
- WiMax
- Traction Power Substations
- Overhead Catenary System
Comments were provided to the responsible designers for the final update and certification of the checklists. Reliability and maintainability analyses were carried out for four existing corridors and three new corridors under design.
Sample As-Built drawings were analyzed from the existing corridors to provide a component list. The components and quantities, according to the As-Built drawings, were entered into the analysis database, which had been populated with the failure rates for most components. Failure rates for components without manufacturer’s data were assigned failure rates from similar equipment. The major components are from manufacturer-provided data.
A typical Siemens Traction Power Substation configuration was assumed for all substations, using data existing “As Built” drawings and data gathered from the analysis of similar transit systems.
The Communications equipment counts are based on the Systems Major Subsystem Component List provided by VMR Systems staff, supplemented by information from the drawing sets
To determine part counts for the new corridors, IFC, 60% and preliminary drawings were used. Typical signaling configurations were used as actual equipment has not been ordered at the time of the report. Typical Siemens TPSS were again assumed in these corridors.
The component and configuration data were compiled in a RAM database to produce the following reports:
- Reliability Analysis for the existing four corridors, showing totals for all four corridors for each subsystem
- Reliability Analysis for the three new corridors, showing totals for all three corridors for each subsystem
- FMECAs for the Signaling System for the three new corridors
List of systems included in the reports:
- TPSS
- Signaling
- Train to Wayside
- Track Switch Control and Indication
- Track Switches
- Grade Crossing Equipment
- SB HVAC
- TPSS HVAC
- Communication Subsystems
- Fire Detection
- Intrusion Detection
Perris Valley Line Commuter Rail Extension Project • Perris Valley, CA
Agency: Riverside County Transportation Commission
Soteria’s Role: Safety and Security Planning and Analysis Startup, Commissioning and Technical Expertise
Completion Date: 2015
The Perris Valley Line (PVL) Project is a 24-mile extension of the Metrolink 91 Line that previously provided service only from Riverside to Fullerton and downtown Los Angeles. The extension begins at a junction with the BNSF San Bernardino Subdivision mainline, north of the city of Riverside, and turns southeast along the San Jacinto Branch Line. The terminus of the PVL Line is in the City of Perris at Route 74 and Ethanac Road. The line is operated and controlled from the Dispatch Operations Center (DOC) in Pomona, CA. The DOC serves as the dispatching center for all Metrolink lines and is the central location for coordinating emergency response actions if there is an accident or other event requiring Fire Services or Law Enforcement response.
The PVL Project constructed four new stations and operates through three cities: Riverside, Moreno Valley and Perris.
Teaming with HDR Construction Control Corp., Soteria managed the System Safety and Security Certification program, led the start-up and commissioning phase and provided technical expertise for integrated testing.
During the design phase, Soteria:
- Developed the Design Conformance Checklists and facilitated their verification by the Design Team. As the Design Checklists were completed Soteria planned and facilitated audits by Metrolink, RCTC, PMOC and the Construction Management Team. Final verified and audited checklists were presented to the Safety and Security Certification Committee (SSCC) for final certification.
- Assisted with the preparation and verification of a Preliminary Hazard Analysis (PHA).
- Prepared an Operating Hazard Analysis (OHA) and a Threat and Vulnerability Assessment (TVA). The recommendations and mitigations identified in these documents were verified in design, with the evidence presented at SSCRT meetings to certify the Hazard Identification and Resolution process.
- Prepared and reviewed selected construction specifications and reviewed the construction plans prior to their release for bid.
During Construction and Start-up, Soteria:
- Continued its management and facilitation of the safety and security certification program to ensure a structured coordination of FTA regulatory requirements, FRA regulations, Fire/Life Safety requirements, field inspections, integrated testing and rail activation.
- Developed a Construction Conformance Checklist and presented it to the construction team for verification. Soteria worked closely with field inspectors to ensure that appropriate evidence was collected and documented to verify all the Construction Checklist items.
- Developed a Test Management Oversight Plan and facilitated the integrated testing and commissioning process to support the collection of testing evidence for the Construction Conformance Checklist.
- Soteria established and managed the following regular committees throughout the construction phase of the project:
- Safety and Security Certification Committee
- Fire/Life Safety and Security Committee
- Integration Testing Committee, and
- Rail Activation Committee
- The PHA, OHA and TVA were verified in construction and testing and presented at SSCC meetings for final certification.
- Soteria planned and facilitated training exercises for local law enforcement and fire services, including a Tabletop Exercise and a large-scale emergency drill.
- When all the certification evidence was completed, Soteria prepared the Final Safety and Security Certification Verification Report (SSCVR) and coordinated all required signatures. The SSCVR was presented to Metrolink, RCTC and the FTA for review and comment. Soteria coordinated the resolution of all comments and issued the Final SSCVR which allowed the new line to enter revenue service.
Mid-City/Exposition Light Rail Project • Los Angeles, CA
Agency: Riverside County Transportation Commission
Soteria’s Role: Safety and Security Planning and Analysis Startup, Commissioning and Technical Expertise
Completion Date: 2015
The Expo LRT Project is approximately 9.6 miles long, extending from Downtown Los Angeles to Exposition Park and then to Venice Boulevard/Robertson Boulevard in Culver City. The Project constructed nine new stations (three of them aerial) and utilized two existing stations that are shared with the currently operating Metro Blue Line.
The Project operates in a dual track configuration in the center or curb lanes of selected streets and the Exposition Right-of-Way (ROW), with high platform stations similar to those in use on the Metro Blue Line. The ROW was widened to accommodate dual track LRT operations and a wide landscaped median for the Exposition Transit Parkway. Exposition Boulevard has two vehicular travel lanes in the east and west directions.
The Expo LRT Project, including shared tracks with the Metro Blue Line (MBL), comprises approximately 9.6 miles of double-track rail, oriented in a roughly east-west direction between the existing MBL 7th & Metro Station in downtown Los Angeles and Venice/Robertson Station in Culver City. The alignment turns north from Exposition Boulevard onto Flower Street (using a grade separation) to Washington Boulevard, where the Expo LRT connects with the MBL.
The Project has a trench structure that begins on Flower St. and turns onto Exposition Blvd. The trench structure is approximately 2500 ft in length with openings in the roof at some locations. Four jet fans provide additional ventilation; two fans are located just after the entrance at each end of the trench.
Soteria Company was sub to the Flatiron Fluor Parsons JV, and was responsible for Safety and Security Planning and Analysis for Phase I of this project. In Phase I, Soteria implemented the following:
- Advanced the System Security Program Plan, System Safety Program Plan and the Safety and Security Certification Plan for the project.
- Implemented the safety and security programs from preliminary engineering through construction, including the preparation of safety hazard analysis and a Threat and Vulnerability Assessment (TVA).
- Successfully led the safety/security certification effort and provided technical support at the Fire/Life Safety Committee.
Metro Gold Line Eastside Extension Project • Los Angeles, CA
Agency: Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority
Soteria’s Role: System Safety and Security Planning and Analysis
Completion Date: 2009
The Metro Gold Line Eastside Extension is an extension of the Metro Gold Line from Pasadena to Los Angeles. It begins at the southern limit of the Los Angeles Union Station, and extends from Alameda Street in Central Los Angeles east through the Boyle Heights community in the City of Los Angeles, and the City Terrace, Belvedere and East Los Angeles communities of unincorporated Los Angeles County, California.
Upon leaving Union Station the MGLEE double-track alignment will cross over the Hollywood Freeway and head south along Alameda Street. It will turn east onto 1st Street and cross over the LA River to a point just beyond Gless Street for a total distance of approximately 1.5 miles from Union Station. It will then enter a tunnel and continue in a south-easterly direction under 1st Street for approximately 1.7 miles before exiting the tunnel prior to reaching Lorena Street. The alignment will continue at-grade along 1st Street to Indiana Street, turn south onto Indiana Street and then turn east onto 3rd Street. Along 3rd Street the alignment will cross under the Pomona Freeway and over the Long Beach Freeway for approximately 2.6 miles.
The alignment will terminate on Pomona Boulevard immediately before its intersection with Atlantic Boulevard.
The following Hazards Analyses were prepared for the Metro Gold Line Eastside Extension (MGLEE) to identify and systematically assess conditions that could potentially affect the safe operation of the MGLEE:
- A Preliminary Hazard Analysis was prepared to identify possible hazardous conditions; evaluate the effects of the hazards to personnel and equipment; and define designs and criteria to eliminate or control the identified hazards
- An Operating Hazard Analysis was prepared to assess potential hazards that might be caused by human actions.
- A System Hazard Analysis was prepared to perform an in-depth safety review of the project systems and equipment. The failure modes for the equipment under review were employed to achieve a systematic and thorough analysis.
- The results from all three Hazard Analyses were collected into a Safety-Critical Items List (SCIL).
- Soteria also prepared a Safety Test and Verification Plan to identify the testing requirements and procedures in order to help ensure all critical safety functions were properly tested and verified.