First off, how often do you see politicians willing to sell their souls for the prospect of a few jobs, a new source of sales tax revenue (Wal-Mart, Ikea, Cabela’s, etc), or any other form of “economic development?

Then there is the relationship issues that METRO seems to have with manufacturers in general. How many bridges have been burned between METRO and bus manufacturers? Not saying whose fault it is but there is only so many companies out there to do business with. Then again maybe METRO and Breda where a match made in…

Finally the reason why standardization is important when building rail systems. If LACTC/RTD would have gone with low floor platforms instead of high floor platforms like most of the new light rail systems across the country, they could be adding on to the Utah Transit Authority’s massive order for S70 cars which would have lowered the price per vehicle.

I’m sorry, but I wouldn’t cut the MTA a break, here’s why: the lies were plainly in front of them and the made a concious choice to ignore them (all but Mr. Antonovich). If they had taken the time to investigate AnsaldoBreda’s claims deeper (or had a consultant do it for them), they would have found there wasn’t a prayer in the world that they could achieve the employment levels they claimed. If they had, this issue would have been put to bed at least 6 months ago instead of dragging it out needlessly. They turned a blind eye to the obvious because they wanted their legacy to be that they brought employment to LA. In fact, they also ignored the recommendations of not one, but TWO LA Metro CEO’s that said go out for bid. So what are they doing a year later? Why have the CEO if you’re not going to follow his advice?

I’m the first person to cut people slack and give the benefit of the doubt whenever possible, but I’m sorry not in this case.

Another truth is that AnsaldoBreda played the political card rather than the tried and true practice that a good product will sell itself. Fix the problems in good faith and the work will come on it’s own. Shame on AnsaldoBreda’s management for trying to sell such a pack of lies rather than building a working and successful relationship based on trust and shame of the MTA for buying it all. THAT’S where the taxpayers lost!

Despite now facing daunting time pressures etc. Metro must somehow find time
amidst the whirl of activity surrounding the new rail car procurement to figure out what has gone wrong with the last two rail car procurements and applying those lessons as we go forward with this new procurement. We can’t keep repeating mistakes plaguing these multi-million dollar expenditures whose results will operate on our rail lines for 30+ years

Leadership by at the Metro Board is desperately needed on this issue.

If this entails paying big bucks for a consultant with expertise, it would be money well spent if we can avoid a repeat of the P-2000 and P-2550 debacles.

http://la.streetsblog.org/2009/10/31/breaking-news-contract-talks-between-metro-ansaldobreda-breakdown-rail-car-contract-goes-to-bid/#comment-46031