Because SMART is one of only 26 passenger rail services classified as “commuter rail”, it must use full FRA safety compliant vehicles. However, only 2 other “commuter rail”, services use the same “DMU”, type of rail vehicle that SMART must use. The other 46 passenger rail services in the U.S. are exempt from FRA safety requirements. It’s interesting to note that the U.S. Railcar bid stems from their 2009 purchase of the assets of the former Colorado Railcar Manufacturing Company; the only company that has ever produced an FRA approved DMU. However, it’s hard to believe that those that invested in U.S. Railcar just wanted to screw their first real sales prospect with a whopping, (as compared to Nippon’s $83M), $132M bid. Yet, U.S. Railcar’s bid is in line with the others, (except for NS), that are also offering FRA compliant vehicles. Obviously, SMART can’t afford to accept any other bids, so if they don't take a chance with NS, SMART may never have a train. Adding to that their current $350M funding shortage it makes one wonder why SMART should be able to continue collecting their $2M monthly income from the taxpayers of Sonoma and Marin Counties? If this contract is executed, SMART's next step will be to issue bonds totaling an amount exceeding $200M. Once the bonds are issued, the taxpayers of Sonoma and Marin Counties will be on the hook to repay these bonds, regardless of whether the SMART train ever operates or not. However, the real tragedy is that in 2006 and 2008 SMART officials, not only allowed, but supported SMART tax measures to be placed on the ballot, even though it was well known among commuter rail planners that SMART’s odds of procuring their required FRA safety compliant rail vehicles from their intended sole supplier, the former Colorado Railcar Manufacturing Company, at the budgeted cost were slim to none. Now we all know. Bob Roberts |
