Portland is a PR machine for light rail & streetcar

Here are Some Facts About Portland Oregon          

“It must always be remembered how cost-effectiveness works in the public sector: the cost IS the benefit.” - author unknown

Bribery & Corruption by Companies that do Transit Construction

From News Sources

Three directors of rail engineering firm Alstom held in bribery investigation

Power giant Alstom to pay record $772 million to settle bribery charges

From in or about 1997 to January 2007, SIEMENS ARGENTINA paid or caused to be paid at least $15,725,000 directly to entities controlled by members of the Argentine government, at least $35,150,000 directly to the Argentine Consulting Group, and at least $54,908,000 to other entities.

From in or about November 2001 through in or about May 2007, SIEMENS VENEZUELA, Officer A, and others paid and caused to be paid at least $13,658,000 to Agent A and Consulting Firm A and at least $5,124,965 to Consulting Firms B, C, and D, with the understanding that some or all of those funds would be passed along to Venezuelan government officials for the corrupt purpose of obtaining and retaining government contracts in Venezuela relating to MetroMara and ValMetro.

BOSTON - The joint venture of Bechtel/Parsons Brinckerhoff, Bechtel Infrastructure Corp., and PB Americas, Inc., f/k/a Parsons Brinckerhoff Quade and Douglas, Inc. ("Bechtel/Parsons Brinckerhoff"), the management consultant to the Central Artery/Tunnel Project ("the Big Dig") has agreed to pay over $407 million to resolve its criminal and civil liabilities in connection with the collapse of part of the I-90 Connector Tunnel ceiling and defects in the slurry walls of the Tip O'Neill tunnel.   

Source: Attorney General of Massachusettse

Most Common Red Flags of Fraud

and Corruption in Procurement

1. Any complaint from bidders and other parties

2. Multiple contracts below procurement thresholds

3. Unusual bid patterns

4. Seemingly inflated fees of agents or prices of goods

5. Bidder is not a legitimate entity

6. Lowest evaluated bid is unjustifiably declared non-responsive

7. Repeat awards to same contractor

8. Changes in contract terms and value

9. Changes in contract terms and value

10. Goods/services are of low quality or not delivered

From: Most Common Red Flags of Fraud and Corruption in Procurement (a World Bank Publication)