Fannin Rural Rail Transportation District solicits competitive proposals for a rail operator in Fannin and Lamar counties
By Fannin Rural Rail Transportation District
May 29, 2013
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PUBLIC NOTICE

Request for Competitive Proposals for Rail Operator
in Fannin and Lamar counties, Texas

The Fannin Rural Rail Transportation District (“District”) is soliciting competitive proposals for a rail operator in Fannin and Lamar counties.  The services would be provided along approximately 35 miles of rail line, from mile post 94.0 to mile post 128.78 on the Bonham Subdivision (the “Facility”). The Facility is owned by the Texas Department of Transportation and leased by the District.

Competitive proposals must comply with Texas Local Government Code Chapter 271.

When evaluating a response to this request, the District will consider:

The qualifications and capability of the proposer to operate a primarily steam-powered excursion train on the western part of the facility within one year and to start regular operation of diesel-powered freight service on the eastern section of the facility within three years;
The proposer’s experience in constructing and maintaining rail facilities;
The financial capability of the proposer to operate and maintain the Facility;

The relative effectiveness of the proposer’s management team and staff;

The extent to which the proposal minimizes the District’s financial obligations in acquiring and maintaining the Facility;

The proposer’s plan for maintaining and improving equipment, trackwork, and right of way, including the planned schedule for carrying out the maintenance and improvements, and planned funding sources;

The proposer’s planned operating rules and procedures for servicing markets served by the Facility, including plans and proposed schedules for improving service and adding additional markets.

Proposals must be submitted in writing no later than 5:00 p.m., Ninety Days from the date of posting. Proposals shall be delivered by US mail to the Fannin Rural Rail Transportation District, P. O. Box 681, Bonham, Texas 75418-0681. For more information contact Glenn Taylor at 903-227-1891.