I worry that we're into a vicious cycle here. I get the impression that MBCR may have drastically low-balled their bid in the first place. Let's do the math -- they have to set up a whole new company management structure (managers, HR, etc.), while Amtrak was able to piggyback some of this administration on the rest of its corporate structure. They have to honor all the existing labor agreements (meaning labor costs are going to remain where they were under Amtrak). Fuel, materials, etc. obviously aren't going to get cheaper, since they're bought from outside sources. You can't change the number or size of trains operated (at least not officially), so there's no savings there. Your revenue is fixed over the five years (I think its five) of the contract, so there's no way to increase revenue. So where's the only place that cost savings could seem to come from? Looks like the maintenance budget to me....
Of course, then if the T is really enforcing the fines and penalties for late/cancelled trains, breakdowns, etc., then there's a further hit on the revenue side, which, depending on how deep the pockets at MBCR are, and how big the fines are, could lead to more cutbacks, and then more failures, and more penalties. I've personally seen this happen on some very small (peanuts in comparison to MBCR) transportation contracts that I deal with at work. I'm scared to think of this happening on the scale of the commuter rail system.
Thinking back to the last bid process, Guilford was the only other bidder. They were a LOT higher than MBCR. Granted, we all know they're hardly the role model of American railroading, but they did once operate this system. I have to wonder who's bid was a more accurate reflection of what five years of service was likely to cost.
Finally, this is at least the second summer of persistant AC breakdowns. Its not the first time we've been through reports of car shortages. Once or twice is one thing, but this recurring pattern is distressing.
Finally, as others have pointed out, this is a management issue at MBCR and the T. The rank and file employees of MBCR are down in the trenches every day, trying to work with what they're given. I get the feeling a lot of days that the operating department is almost literally trying to cram "ten pounds of passengers into a five pound bag" to borrow a usually crude expression. I've run into a few commuters at work who have talked about how mad they've gotten with conductors, etc. about the situation. Every time I've reminded them that not only do they not maintain the cars, they also have to spend a lot more time each day on hot, dirty, overcrowded coaches than the average passenger. With some people, that seems to come as a surprise.
Wondering if I'll see the Western Route double-tracking finished before I retire...
Photo: Melbourne W7 No. 1019 on Route 78, Bridge & Church Streets, Richmond, Victoria. 10/21/2010
