Staff Report #2 – Implementation of PHI Cell Technology on LTC Fleet

Staff Report #2

August 25, 2021

To All Commissioners

Re: Implementation of PHI Cell Technology on LTC Fleet

Recommendation

That the Commission:

  1. APPROVE the supply and installation of the United Safety and Survivability Corporation (USSC) Active Air Purification System onboard the conventional transit fleet at a cost of $880,285 exclusive of applicable taxes; and
  2. DIRECT administration to finalize contract particulars with USSC as required.

Background

At the June 30, 2021 meeting, the Commission directed administration to issue a request for quotation for the supply and installation of an Active Air Purification System utilizing PHI technology on the conventional transit fleet. A request for quotation was issued and the following responses were received, noting the numbers provided are exclusive of applicable taxes.

Supplier Total Supply & Install Annual Operating (Est)
United Safety & Survivability Corp (USSC) $ 880,285 $67,700
New Flyer Industries 779,625 134,500

As set out in the table, while the supply and installation quote from New Flyer was approximately $100,000 less that that of USSC, the savings in capital costs will be outweighed by the ongoing operating costs in the first two years of operation. This differential is due to the higher cost of replacement bulbs and catalyst on the New Flyer equipment in addition to an additional component that needs to be replaced every three months. Not only does this increase the material costs of maintaining the equipment, it will also increase resource requirements in Fleet & Facilities to maintain the equipment.

The product being recommended for installation by USSC on the LTC fleet is based on a PHI (Photohydroionization®) Cell which produces continuous low dose airborne hydroperoxide (H2O2) generated via UV catalytic advanced oxidization technology. This solution is based on proven technology that is in use with over 4 million units in service over a 20-year history. The proven solution has been adapted to work on transit fleets (buses and rail cars).

Independent third party testing and validation on this adapted for transit technology resulted in 99.9% inactivation of SARS CoV2 within the occupied space in the air and on surfaces. In addition to the high level of effectiveness against the SARS CoV2, the same levels of effectiveness apply to H1N1, Avian Flu, MRSA, E.coli, mold and carcinogens virus, resulting in a much safer transit experience for the rider, and a much safer work environment for the transit Operator.

The product has been implemented in a number of US transit systems, and is being trialled for potential installation at a number of Canadian Transit systems. Feedback from systems with the product installed has been very positive from both a rider and transit Operator perspective.

The cost of this program can be funded within the Phase 3 Safe Restart program allocation. USSC has indicated that the fleet retrofit can begin 8 weeks from contract award.

A communications program will be developed with respect to this implementation, with specific messaging directed at LTC employees and riders with respect to the additional safety measures that will be in place with this installation. The campaign will be rolled out as the units are installed and activated.

Enclosure

I – USSC Active Air Purification Presentation (for Commissioners only)

Recommended by:

Mike Gregor, Director of Finance

Craig Morneau, Director of Fleet & Facilities

Concurred in by:

Kelly S. Paleczny, General Manager