Specifications include, but are not limited to: Contractor shall provide at a minimum the following: A. Schedules and passenger train patterns • Rail activity on the corridor as it relates to traffic patterns inclusive of the Coastal Classic, Glacier Discovery, Spencer Glacier Whistle stop, Princess MEX, Princess DEX, Holland DEX, Cruise Trains and work train needs. • Evaluation of train arrival and departure times as they relate to the tour operators we connect with in Seward, Whittier and Spencer. • Does our train schedule complement customer offerings? • Required track maintenance needs and impact to daily schedules on S/E • Schedule integrity- Are schedules currently operated by ARRC between Anchorage and Seward achievable under current conditions? o What infrastructure changes would be necessary for ARRC to improve current schedule on time performance. • Evaluation of service start and end dates for summer season • Evaluation of current method ARRC uses to determine upcoming season start and end dates B. Asset utilization and revenue management 1. Current assets, ages, condition and deployment by train route • Review/reconciliation of ARRC Passenger Fleet Management plan to ensure recommendations are memorialized in document. This document is required to be maintained as a result of ARRC’s FTA funding requirements. 2. Optimization of asset use • Are we making the most of our assets in terms of revenue opportunity? 3. Need for additional assets in the future. • Recommendations for equipment procurement and modifications • Assistance with identifying companies that could be used to build new equipment for ARRC • Benchmark opportunities to support recommendations 4. Seward dock project impact on south end passenger volumes, train schedules, and consist design/allocation 5. Additional train routes, or changes to current routes to meet future demand. 6. Pricing evaluation (Coastal Classic, Glacier Discovery, Cruise Train, HAP MEX and DEX services) 7. What is optimum customer composition (tour operators, travel agent, direct, excursion partners) 8. Target customers cruise and non-cruise. • How do we best leverage our cruise relationships? C. Infrastructure needs to support growth and schedule adherence 1. PTC 2. Sidings 3. Avalanche mitigation/other capital needs • Technology improvements (station check-in, luggage handling, on train experience)
