But it is generally satisfied with the plans drawn up by the redevelopment corporation, Mr. Bartoli said.

When he chose one, Mr. Griswold said, he received $8,500 in grants from the redevelopment corporation and the downtown association.

The redevelopment corporation says at least some operations will begin in 2003, and the new stations will be fully operational no later than early 2004.

Mr. Gerber of the redevelopment corporation said bid specifications, to be advertised this summer, will include his agency's 2003 time frame.

The Postal Service will continue to own the entire Farley complex, but will lease the station portion to the redevelopment corporation for 99 years.

Rebecca Robertson, executive director of the redevelopment corporation, put the amount at $395,000.

Having received 180 positive responses to its own preliminary solicitation of interests, the redevelopment corporation need be in no hurry to assign the other four.

The redevelopment corporation, he said, would take full responsibility for the design and execution of the train station renovation.

But he said the redevelopment corporation "was appointed to look at all of the different possibilities."

Each level of government has two representatives on the board of the redevelopment corporation.