[URBAN NOTE] "'Put up or shut up' Metrolinx's message to Bombardier, says transit advocate"

[rfmcdonald]

Steve Munro's contention, as expressed in Michelle Cheung's CBC News article, appeals to me. I am tired of Metrolinx's issues with timely production, for Toronto particularly.

Is Metrolinx playing a game of chicken with Bombardier?

Transit advocate Steve Munro says yes.

"Metrolinx is basically saying to Bombardier, 'This is your last chance. Put up or shut up.'"

The provincial transit agency has filed a notice of intent to the Quebec company to cancel a $700 million contract to build light rail vehicles for the Eglinton Crosstown and Finch West lines. And while it may not cancel the contract, the agency did take the required steps should it need to ask a court to rip up the deal.

"It signals a more important and interesting change in Ontario government policy because Bombardier has had the inside track on building vehicles for years and years and years and could count on that as a way to ensure they got the business no matter what they did," says Munro. "In effect Ontario is saying, 'Hi guys, we may be going to cut you loose.'"

In July, Metrolinx signalled its concerns over Bombardier's delay in delivering the LRT test vehicle. It was supposed to be delivered in 2014. The transit agency still has not received it.