b'When itcomes to the SCOAtradition of transportationexcellence, it is easy to seewhy SCOA continues to bethe one on trackto succeed.SCOAs management, together with customers Cal-trans and IDOT as well as federal and state officials, spent many long hours discussing a large number of possible solutions. SCOA management maintained the position that the situation required long term thinking and not a Band-Aid fix that addressed a short term ROI to fulfill the contract. The team collaborated and arrived at a realignment plan to fulfill the commitment at the level of excellence that SCOA transportation customers expect. All parties reached an agreement, by amending the original contract, for the supply of 137 single-level passenger railcars instead, contracting withAbove,Project-dedicated team members in Sacramentoa new manufacturer to supply the PRIIA-compliant(pre-COVID era gathering)railcars with other significant requirements still being met. This collaboration and transition to a new manu- By mid-2020, both Caltrans and IDOT had begun facturer is a testament to SCOAs industry position astaking delivery on the new railcars. Passengers will a company with the financial stability and long termsoon be able to enjoy the new passenger railcars with thinking to support a move this significant; SCOAsfuturistic style, updated safety measures, and highest position and reputation as a trusted supplier made thislevel of passenger-comfort, greatly improved accessi-solution not just possible, but viable.bility for all passengers including Wi-Fi, roomy seating In 2017, SCOA subcontracted Siemens to design,with convenient power outlets in each low, individual manufacture, test and deliver these passenger railcarsreading lights, large windows with adjustable shades, with new stipulations of the number of final productsindirect airflow of HAVC in passenger area, bike racks, to be delivered. The new agreement designated theoverhead luggage storage, worktables, state-of-the-art manufacturing of 49 vehicles for Caltrans and 88 forrestrooms.While better maintainability for the oper-Illinois, with production located at Siemens plant inator and maintainer is also provided. These improve-Sacramento, which operates partially from renewablements have been needed for a long time in the North energy. Additionally, all components would contin- American intercity passenger rail travel.ue to be sourced from US-based suppliers to followWhen it comes to the SCOA tradition of transporta-the original Buy America compliance commitmentstion excellence, it is easy to see why SCOA continues for the project. In the new production timeline thatto be the one on track to succeed. In the end, the included an additional seven cars, the specificationsteadfast commitment to its customers instills that trust changed from Bi-level to Siemens Venture sin- that SCOA can and will deliver, and stays steady on gle-level passenger cars, and delivery was acceleratedthe twists and turns as we travel that long road ahead, from five years to between 24 and 34 months. together. Sumitomo Corporation of Americas 11'