The city's $9.7 million contract with Parsons Brinckerhoff Quade & Douglas provides a detailed breakdown of what the company will be paid for as it develops a new transit plan for O'ahu.

The largest budget item ($2.7 million) goes, not surprisingly, for the development and production of the alternatives analysis and draft environmental impact statement, which will include dozens of draft and final technical reports on topics ranging from traffic and environmental impact to costs and ridership projections.

The company also is required to provide a number of other services that go beyond technical planning.

For instance, nearly $1 million is budgeted for public outreach and involvement. The company is required to hold numerous public meetings throughout the process and to record and respond to every comment it receives, as well as produce monthly public involvement progress reports for the duration of the contract.

Another $1.2 million will pay for the company to provide regular coordination with all city, state and federal agencies that might be affected by the project.

Other large categories in the contract include funds for project management ($1.6 million); conceptual designs for a rail line and stations ($964,000); a financial analysis, which identifies sources of possible federal and local funding ($646,000); updated information-gathering tools, including an on-the-bus survey ($475,000); and reports and applications to federal agencies ($182,000). The company also receives an allowance of $200,000 for reimbursable expenses.

Company and city officials say the contract is reasonable considering the amount of work required in a short time and the professional qualifications of Parsons. They note that spending money on thorough planning may help to avoid problems that could cost much more in future stages of transit system development.

About $2.85 million of the contract will be paid to almost two-dozen subcontractors whose work will include engineering, surveying, archaeology, landscaping, architecture and public involvement.

The city expects to pay a $2.1 million share of the contract. The rest will be paid through a federal grant.

Reach Mike Leidemann at mleidemann@honoluluadvertiser.com.