Telstar Logistics photo.
Muni’s governing body, the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA), has issued requests for proposals from outside contractors to restore car No. 1, the flagship of the historic fleet which inaugurated Muni’s first line on Geary Street in 1912. This car was initially retired from service in 1951, restored to its original appearance for Muni’s 50th anniversary in 1962, and repaired as necessary since. When the car’s wiring failed in 2006, it was decided to conduct a complete renovation rather than try to patch it up. Largely because of a lack of covered storage for the car over the last quarter-century, it and other vintage cars have suffered accelerated rust and rotting.
As the scope of work on car No. 1 is quite different than the group of PCCs going out for bid—requiring skilled carpentry, seat recaning, and critical preservation work–Muni and Market Street Railway agreed it should be bid separately. Contract proposals are due August 27. The schedule indicates that delivery and acceptance will be in April, 2010.
A Muni team will review the offered proposals, conduct oral interviews with the proposers, and accept proposals on price, after which the successful contractors will be selected. If there are no protests from unsuccessful proposers, and provided the Board of Supervisors approves the contract, work could begin early in 2009.
The Market Street Railway Blog will keep you up to date on the progress of this important contract. Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
I will be a big shame on Muni (and The City) if they can’t get their act together and restore No. 1 for their centennial. Though, if they don’t, I will not be the only one surprised.