MBCR contends the winning bid had a series of problems.
Clients can send
MBCR their story with as many details as they can share (the more details the better for evaluation)
MBCR assumed operations of the commuter railroad in July 2003 under a five-year contract that was extended three years in July 2008 to June 2011, and extended again now to June 2013, under the contract's option provisions.
A Keolis spokesman had no comment on the
MBCR position.
Transportation officials say that Keolis received a stronger evaluation than
MBCR on both its pricing and its operations and maintenance plans.
Keolis' bid was based on a profit margin 77 percent lower than
MBCR's, and the French firm -- which operates rail systems in Europe and Northern Virginia -- had a higher overall rating than
MBCR.
Richard Davey,
MBCR deputy general manager, said, "Our field operators are impressed with the cab features, particularly the extraordinarily low internal and external noise levels, ultra low emissions and exceptional fuel efficiency.
James O'Leary, chairman of
MBCR, said the company was given less than two hours to present its plan to the MBTA's selection committee and was asked fewer than a dozen questions.
In addition to Bombardier, which has a 20% interest in
MBCR, other members include Connex North America Inc.
He used to direct the MBTA through
MBCR before moving up.
Pesatoro said, "Working with commuter rail operator
MBCR, the MBTA is developing a plan to add train trips to/from Worcester during the periods of the day in which there are gaps in the existing schedule.
These trains go to Worcester and Framingham to make inbound peak period trains, the
MBCR said.
