SFMTA asks Board to approve $12.8M amendment for Thales train-control work; committee forwards to full Board

SFMTA executives told the committee the modification (CN1266-2) consolidates work Thales performed at risk, addresses a fire-code change that required automated single-train control through a large ventilation cavern and resolves a delay claim. Lisa Walton, SFMTA CTO, described engineering and safety drivers for the change and said testing and safety certification are underway.

The Board's Budget & Legislative Analyst reported the amendment raises the Thales contract by $12.8 million, from $14.9 million to $27.7 million, and includes a $2.5 million delay claim. SFMTA said the contractor's substantial completion and the train-control work are on the critical path for revenue opening in spring 2022; completion of the contract is anticipated April 29, 2022 and revenue service is planned for spring 2022.

Committee members acknowledged the project's cost growth over its lifecycle and asked about contracting lessons; SFMTA and staff described procurement and risk-sharing lessons learned. The committee moved the item to the full Board with a positive recommendation.