The current bidding process doesn't seem to work very well, but it is the result of attempts over the years to reduce graft, influence peddling, contract rigging , etc. Private companies seem to be able to do better at equipment procurement.

My beef is with the slow pace of innovation. The car builders themselves are very conservative. That's ok as a fall-back but I would like to see more unorthodoxy. After the PCC design emerged improvements lagged for decades - apart from better articulation and improved motor controls. I'd like to see university techies get involved in more radical redesigns.