Thank you for your interest in the Capital MetroRail Red Line project. We have established an estimated timeline to complete the remaining tasks, which we reported to our Board of Directors this week.

We anticipate completing all remaining work by the end of the first quarter of 2010, at a cost of approximately $750,000 to $1,000,000.

Here is a summary of our progress since last month’s update:

• Communication System Improvements – We are adding a radio system to the existing cellular communication that links control points in the field to the dispatch center for optimum reliability. The design of this radio system is now complete.
• Field System Validation – This step, which is now complete, consisted of a thorough review and testing of all signal houses, crossing functionality, circuit plans and other field equipment followed by re-testing with a train.
• Train Detection System Relocation – For enhanced performance, we finished the relocation of certain train detection equipment in the field.
• Hazard Analysis/Risk Assessment – Capital Metro, Veolia and regional and national Federal Railroad Administration staff completed a comprehensive analysis to identify potential risks in the system, define solutions and develop mitigation strategies.

Moving forward, there are two primary categories of issues as a result of this analysis:

• Issues requiring programming changes to the Centralized Traffic Control (CTC) system – These changes are designed to minimize the effects of human error. At the same time, additional programming changes will be made to address other field issues such as the timing of the gates near the Kramer, Crestview and Highland stations.
• Issues requiring operating procedure modifications – These changes will clarify procedures for emergency situations, worker protection and signal operations.

Capital Metro anticipates that the programming and procedural changes and reviews of those changes will be complete by January. At that time, we will perform a full system validation to verify the integration of all components based on the changes. We estimate the remaining tasks, including the final validation and a review by the FRA, to be complete in the first quarter of the year.

Capital Metro will continue to keep the community informed through monthly letters in the ASG newsletter, monthly project updates to the community, and presentations at our regular Board of Directors meetings.

Doug Allen
Executive Vice President/Chief Development Officer
Capital Metro