Bombardier has 'no comments' on new questions about TTC streetcar delivery

Bombardier is refusing to respond to new questions raised by TTC CEO Andy Byford about its ability to deliver streetcars to the TTC on schedule.

On Wednesday, Byford told a meeting of TTC commissioners that he has 22 of the new streetcars on the road now, and that Bombardier has promised to deliver eight more by the end of the year.

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However, given their track record so far, "I'm beginning to wonder if we will indeed get 30 by the end of the year," he said.

"I've had more schedules than streetcars, so I have a healthy skepticism," Byford said.

On Thursday, CBC News asked Bombardier to comment on Byford's concern that the company may not be able to deliver another eight streetcars by the end of this year, and his comment that their scheduling was "unrealistic."

"No comments"

"Thank you for your questions, but Bombardier has no comments on these statements," the company responded.

In addition to 30 cars by the end of 2016, Byford said the current schedule calls for another 40 by the end of next year, an additional 76 in 2018, and the full order — 204 new streetcars — by the end of 2019.

"They've delayed, delayed, delayed, but the end date doesn't shift," he told the commissioners Wednesday. "They're going to have to up their game."

He said Bombardier has said it's setting up a second production line at its Thunder Bay plant to fill the TTC order, but that line won't be up and running until early next year.

Late last year, the TTC voted to sue Bombardier over the delays.

In the past, Bombardier has blamed the delays on faulty parts from its supplier in Mexico, labour trouble, the intricate nature of the new streetcars and staff changes.