The city of Miami Beach, Florida (USA) has selected the consortium Greater Miami Tramlink Partners for the development of a street car and light rail system through the P3 model. 

The team is composed of InfraRed Capital Partners, Walsh Investors, Alstom and Archer Western Contractors.

As we reported in late January, the RFP came after the city received, in August 2015, an unsolicited proposal from Alstom to carry out the project. The process attracted three potential bidders.

If final agreement with Greater Miami Tramlink Partners doesn't complete, the city of Miami Beach will negotiate with the second ranked consortium, namely Connect Miami Beach consortium comprising OHL, Globalvia, COMSA, Community Asphalt, Atkins, CAF, SENER, Railworks and LK Comstock.

The P3 contract  involves a 35 year concession of a new 14-mile transit system to connect downtown Miami to the Miami Beach Convention Center. The total investment of the project is expected to stand at US $387 million.

The project comprises an off-wire or ‘wireless’ light rail/modern street car system, including vehicles and associated power, communications, signalization and other systems required for the functionality of the project, operational facilities, related civil infrastructure, including ‘curb-to-curb’ road reconstruction and related services. Alstom has proposed the use of its APS ground-level power supply system.

According to sources, City Manager Jimmy L Morales said:

"This project aims to substantially  ease traffic congestion, link key points of interest, connect people with jobs and opportunities, reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions and save thousands of dollars in commuting and parking costs for residents and visitors".