Selection of Project Delivery Method in Transit: Drivers and Objectives

This paper describes the results of research on alternative project delivery methods in transit projects in the United States. The research, sponsored by the Transit Cooperative Research Program, aimed to identify those factors that drive the decision in the choice of project delivery method. A rigorous case study analysis based on on-site structured interviews with the directors of several transit projects was used to identify decision drivers and the rationale behind the delivery method selection decision in transit agencies. The nine case studies conducted in this research represent a cross section of delivery methods, including design-bid-build/multiprime, construction manager-at-risk, design/build, and design/build-operate-maintain. The interviewees agreed that the use of alternative delivery methods have resulted in savings in schedule and cost for transit agencies. The research also found that achieving aggressive schedule compression is the most influential factor when selecting alternative delivery methods. Also, implementation of a formal risk analysis as part of the project development process appears to improve the project’s chances of meeting budget and schedule objectives.