COMMISSION 
AGENDA MEMORANDUM                        Item No.          10c 
ACTION ITEM                            Date of Meeting     November 9, 2021 

DATE:     September 8, 2021 
TO:        Stephen P. Metruck, Executive Director 
FROM:    Laurel Dunphy, Director Aviation Operations 
Jeffrey Hoevet, Senior Manager Airport Operations 
SUBJECT:  SEA International Airport  Light Rail Electric Cart Service 
Amount of this request:               $2,300,000 
Total estimated cost:                  $2,300,000 
ACTION REQUESTED 
Request Commission authorization for the Executive Director to execute a contract for electric
cart service between the SEA International Airport's Main Terminal and Sound Transit's Link Light
Rail Airport Station. This proposal authorizes an estimated amount of $2,300,000 for a 2-year
agreement with options for three 1-year extensions. 
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 
The SEA International Airport (Airport) has offered electric cart transportation between the
Airport's Main Terminal and Sound Transit's Airport Station since February 2017. To date, the
system has transported more than 1.3 million customers and provided passengers with an
amenity that makes it easier to access the Airport and public transportation. A cart operates
between the hours of 5:00 a.m. and midnight daily. A second cart adds capacity from 10:00 a.m. 
to 10:00 p.m. Electric cart service supports light-rail transit accessibility and mobility for all
customers as well as the Port of Seattle Commission's goal for the Airport to be the most
accessible airport in the United States. 
JUSTIFICATION 
Since the beginning of Link Light Rail service to the Airport in 2009, there has been considerable
public feedback related to station accessibility and the perception of a long walk from the Airport
Station. Consequently, the Airport initiated a number of capital and operational improvements
to address customer concerns. In 2016, the walkway connecting the Airport's Main Terminal and
Sound Transit's Airport Station was improved with windbreaks and epoxy surfaces to protect
riders from the elements. In addition to making the walkway easier to navigate, the Airport
established an electric cart service to provide customers with a free and convenient alternative
to walkingan important service for customers with mobility concerns. Staff plans to include

Template revised January 10, 2019.

COMMISSION AGENDA  Action Item No. 10c                                  Page 2 of 4 
Meeting Date: November 9, 2021 
specific Americans Disability Act requirements in the contract language. In 2019 the cart service
transported an average of over 31,000 customers per month. Demand is still high, with more
than 19,000 customers transported in July 2021 alone. 
DETAILS 
To support Link Light Rail customer demand and access, the Port of Seattle contracts with a thirdparty
vendor to supply and staff the electric cart service. As the initial effort has been successful,
we're seeking a new contract that will continue to offer a similar level of service and demonstrate
our commitment to supporting customers who utilize Link Light Rail as a mode of transportation
to and from the Airport. 
Scope of Work 
The vendor agreement will support at minimum one (1) electric cart and at maximum two (2)
electric carts, which have dedicated staffing to provide safe, reliable transportation to and from
Sound Transit's Airport Station. Carts will be available for service as assigned between the hours
of 5:00 a.m. to midnight daily, with seasonal adjustments as directed by Airport staff. 
Core contractual elements: 
(1) Dedicated electric carts that hold up to 7 passengers 
(2) 31 hours of daily consistent service 
(3) Trained staff on customer service & safety 
(4) Safe, reliable transportation 
Schedule 
Activity 
Commission authorization                      2021 Quarter 4 
Request for proposal                            2021 Quarter 4 
Contract award                                2022 Quarter 1 
Service commencement                      2022 Quarter 1 
Cost Breakdown                                     This Request          Total Project 
Anticipated 5-year agreement                            $2,300,000             $2,300,000 
Total                                                         $2,300,000              $2,300,000 
ALTERNATIVES AND IMPLICATIONS CONSIDERED 
Alternative 1  Eliminate electric cart service and rely solely on existing wheelchair and
mobility services. 
Cost Implications: Eliminate an estimated $460,000 annual expense. 
Pros: 
(1)    Decreased costs  Funding for electric cart service would no longer be required 

Template revised June 27, 2019 (Diversity in Contracting).

COMMISSION AGENDA  Action Item No. 10c                                  Page 3 of 4 
Meeting Date: November 9, 2021 
Cons: 
(1) Eliminates a popular option 
(2) Relies on single provider for timely transportation 
(3) Relies on existing wheelchair contract to support customer access 
(4) Decreases level of service due to inconsistent and labor-intensive process 
This is not the recommended alternative. 
Alternative 2  Seek a new service agreement for limited hours (19 hours) of each day 
Cost Implications: 
Pros: 
(1)    Continues to offer electric cart service to customers 
(2)    Supports transit accessibility during normal hours (5:00 am  midnight) 
Cons: 
(1)    One electric cart during peak periods 
(2)    May reduced customer service levels during peak periods due to full carts 
This is not the recommended alternative. 
Alternative 3  Offer a 5-year agreement to support customer transportation with electric carts
and trained staff up to 31 hours/daily 
Cost Implications: Estimated $460,000 per year (5-year agreement at $2,300,000) 
Pros: 
(1) Consistent and predictable electric cart service to customers during the Link Light Rail
operational day 
(2) Supports SEA accessibility goals 
Cons: 
(1)   Increased contract expenses (see Financial Implications below) 
This is the recommended alternative. 
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS 
Annual Budget Status and Source of Funds 
Airport Operations has allocated the amount of $192,000 in the 2022 Operating Budget for
electric cart services. However, the current contractor has indicated that they will no longer
provide these services, prompting a need to secure a new agreement. It is anticipated that the
rate in a new agreement will be significantly higher due to competition for other airport-related
services. Additional budget will be planned in future years. The funding source will be the Airport 
Development Fund. 

Template revised June 27, 2019 (Diversity in Contracting).

COMMISSION AGENDA  Action Item No. 10c                                  Page 4 of 4 
Meeting Date: November 9, 2021 
Financial Analysis and Summary 
Project cost for analysis              $2,300,000 
Business Unit (BU)                  Aviation Operations  Landside 
Effect on business performance     NOI after depreciation will decrease by the amount of 
(NOI after depreciation)             the annual expenditure. 
IRR/NPV (if relevant)                N/A 
CPE Impact                        N/A 
Future Revenues and Expenses (Total cost of ownership) 
(1) Expenses are anticipated to be $460,000 per year over a 5-year period 

ATTACHMENTS TO THIS REQUEST 
(1) PowerPoint Presentation 
PREVIOUS COMMISSION ACTIONS OR BRIEFINGS 
A similar commission memo titled Link Light Rail Electric Cart Service Contract was authorized by
the Port Commission on January 30, 2018. The action that requested authorization for the
Executive Director to execute a contract to support electric cart service between the airport's
main terminal and Sound Transit's Link light rail airport station. This proposal authorized an
estimated $2,000,000 for a two-year agreement with options for three one-year extensions 









Template revised June 27, 2019 (Diversity in Contracting).