Modernizing Light Rail Vehicle Procurement Standards

APTA’s Light Rail Vehicle Procurement (LRVP) Working Group is responsible for the update of the Light Rail Vehicle Procurement Request for Proposal (RFP), a guideline document that helps transit agencies structure and execute light rail vehicle procurements. The RFP was last updated in 2011 and is being revised to reflect current technologies, procurement practices, and industry needs. 

The LRVP Working Group began its work in early 2025 and has since met monthly in virtual sessions with a focus on updating the technical specifications sections of the RFP. To accelerate progress and address complex issues, the group will meet in person Feb. 10–11 in Atlanta, GA, hosted by MARTA. 

Participation in LRVP Working Group meetings is supported through the APTA Standards Program. This helps ensure broad agency participation and diverse industry input. Public transit agency participants are reimbursed for travel-related expenses, including airfare, lodging, and per diem.

Agencies and stakeholders interested in participating in the Atlanta meeting or future virtual sessions are encouraged to contact Bryan Sooter, senior director‑standards and rail engineering, at bsooter@apta.com or Tytus Suchotinunt, program manager-standards, at tsuchotinunt@apta.com.