Bombardier Still In Running To Supply Toronto's Streetcars

Toronto, Canada (AHN) - Transportation giant Bombardier Inc., said that it is still in the running for the $1.25 billion streetcar supply contract for Toronto Transit Commission's TransCity light rail expansion program.

Last Friday, TTC rejected Bombardier's bid citing design flaws in its streetcars especially when turning on tight curves.

"It's a major piece of business. It's a very important contract, and Bombardier is interested in pursuing it certainly," David Slack, Bombardier spokesman, was quoted as saying by the Canadian Press.

With the failure of bids last week, which included a bid from Tram Power, the TTC is planning to "shop" for a supplier instead of going through a bid process. TTC will work on a negotiated contract in the coming weeks and is looking at Siemens and Altsom including Bombardier, the Toronto Sun reported.

Toronto requires 204 streetcars to replace its aging fleet and to deploy in seven new rail corridors. At least 24 streetcars are expected for delivery by 2011.