RLBA advised major bulk shippers trying to maximize participation in surging North American and world demand for coal and bulk products. After years of overcapacity, North American rail carriers are running up against constrained network capacity which is limiting throughput and putting pricing power in the hand of the railroads. RLBA combined strategic assessment with hands-on knowledge of railroad operations, routes and costs to help clients select from wide ranging alternative to improve leverage and service.

RLBA performed a strategic evaluation of rail routing options for a major bulk shipper via rail. The evaluation included field examination of rail line physical characteristics, a commodity shipping forecast, a rail line capacity analysis under existing and projected future demand, identification of necessary and optional capital investments on the part of the client and the railway as well as operating and maintenance cost estimates. These were used to determine the most feasible way to increase bulk material transportation throughput to improve the customer’s financial position and to prepare, the client to implement the solution.

Elements of the plan include validation of the findings and conclusions of the 1998 study, which identified passenger rail technology alternatives including minor upgrade conventional diesel-powered service, major upgrade with conventional electrification, high speed rail electrified and magnetic levitation as well as route options including use of the Union Pacific Railroad right-of-way or a combination of Union Pacific and I-10 highway rights-of-way. Another important component of the study was updating costs with regard to the alternatives in the 1998 study. Based upon RLBA recommendations, ADOT decided to proceed with the conventional rail alternative with targeted maximum speeds of 110 mph.

ADOT again turned to an RLBA team to prepare the Phase 2 High Speed Passenger Rail Strategic Plan - 2008, building upon the earlier Strategic Plan to move closer to implementation. The Phase 2 study focused on diverse areas including: Congestion Mitigation Impacts, Station Area Transit Collector/Distribution and Circulation Concept Plans, Detailed Right Of Way (ROW) Analysis, Grade Crossing Recommendations, Costs to Rebuild Chandler Branch (an abandoned section), Governance Model and Integrated Operations Plan (intercity passenger, commuter rail and freight). The Plan was conducted on an accelerated schedule to meet client needs.