I said it before and will say it again, all transit systems should be able to buy X from Y based on real tenders, regardless where funding is coming from in the first place.
If TTC was able to chop off $50-$200 million from an open tender, that saving can be put toward something else sooner than later. We the payers of taxes will end up over time require to pay a lower price for transit fund with those saving going to something that needs money sooner than later.
If a Canadian Company can't complete, then it needs to review its organization to see where changes needs to take place as well the supply chain to be able to do so. As long as our dollar is low, the whole world has a lot of room for cost cutting to be able out bid Canadian companies.
TTC has already stated what its extra cost could look like at the end of the order for 204 cars and why its not saying much at this time. Same goes with delivery of the cars and so far on track as promises in 2016. As long as delivery stay the course, there nothing to be said.
GO Transit is the only buyers these days for bi-levels as the US orders are going to other companies these days. Montreal and SEPTA current orders for bi-levels have gone to China who has an US plant in Mass.
Until Metrolinx does a true open market for GO Transit rolling stock, we have no idea what saving can be had by doing so, as well delivery.
