I'm glad that an Oregon company has received this contract. However, I think that for streetcar systems to gain broad acceptance the costs of production and installation need to be reined in. Bring the costs down! This would make it more affordable to smaller communities which might not qualify under a "small starts program" for federal dollars.

We can do it. Oregonians have learned to make do with less. And many other technologies do tend to come down in cost as they gain broader acceptance. Look at how flat screen LCD's have been getting cheaper! This is a great system to encourage higher density development--and reduce urban sprawl. But it needs to become even more affordable and thus reduce the subsidies that US taxpayer contribute. Our high federal deficit will continue to be a serious problem, no matter who is in office. Every community should do what it can to come up with transportation programs that are affordable and rely less on federal contributions.