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Re: Very topical comment on "Buy American" from hsr blog site
Author: George Andrews
Date: 12-18-2010 - 10:02
In regards to the absence of U.S. transit manufacturers, wasn't this caused by the market for light rail ( & heavy rail ) passenger cars drying up ??? Pullman & Budd didn't stop building passenger cars until the demand went away. Same with High Speed Rail; there is virtually no demand for product from the U.S. market, only in Europe & Asia. Light rail is another story, with decent demand for product in the last 15 years. But again, the big market is in Europe & Asia, so the manufacturing base is also located there.
I won't try to defend the horrible buying practices of U.S. transit agencies, and the many layers of red tape that go with Federal funding. I recall, however, when San Diego started their trolley system, they decided do it w/o Federal funding, therefore freeing themselves of much of the hassle & extra expense involved. Is this still do - able in the current regulatory environment ???
I won't try to defend the horrible buying practices of U.S. transit agencies, and the many layers of red tape that go with Federal funding. I recall, however, when San Diego started their trolley system, they decided do it w/o Federal funding, therefore freeing themselves of much of the hassle & extra expense involved. Is this still do - able in the current regulatory environment ???
