Given that the situation with Bombardier has stabilised, and cars are now rolling off the production line at a rate that meets the latest restatement of the schedule, this taxpayer would prefer to see his hard-earned money spent on the cheaper, and now predictable Flexities, rather than to prolong the debate and drive costs up by looking for a second supplier who will undoubtedly be a higher-cost bidder than exercising the Bombardier option..
There's no doubt that Bombardier screwed TTC around for the first three years of the contract. I don't know what the right remedy for that is, and perhaps a 'just' consequence isn't likely to happen given that litigation is difficult and costly. Certainly Bombardier's deficiencies have gained public spotlight and I don't know many people (including observers from other transport properties) who believe much of Bombardier's PR about how it was totally explainable and not Bombardier's doing. Those reputational issues will linger, and even if customers continue to place orders they will be that much more wary and watchful. So Bombardier will face consequences.
But at the end of the day, I would rather be pragmatic at this point than try to get the final word in on the whole thing. Provided, of course, that the TTC gets the best possible deal from Bombardier. They do have plenty to atone for and some extra free/underpriced product is a good way to do so.
- Paul
