Memphis — Under Budget

Rail Transit Online, November 2003

The Medical Center trolley extension is being completed substantially under budget, according to new figures just released by Memphis Area Transit Authority General Manager William Hudson.  The original budget for construction and acquisition of five vintage streetcars was $74.6 million but Hudson now says he expects to finish the project for just $55 million.  When asked by The Commercial Appeal what led to the lower costs,  Hudson replied, “Good contracts.  Good bridge contracts.  Good rail contracts.  Equipment contracts.”  He said MATA’s experience with contractor Hill Brothers Construction of Falkner, Mississippi, was very positive.  “A lot of good contract negotiations and good people to do business with,” Hudson told The Commercial Appeal.  The 2.5-mi. (4 km), six-station segment from the existing Main Street line to just beyond Cleveland Avenue was 90-percent completed by mid-October, and Hudson is forecasting a March opening.  On Oct. 15, a ceremony was held marking completion of track installation as the last two sections of rail were welded together.  The trolley may be the first link in a regional light rail system — MATA is working on plans for a line to Memphis International Airport — and any money saved during construction of the Medical Center extension could be applied to future construction (see next story).