First off, I see a continued unwavering devotion to safety across the industry. New technologies and improved methodologies that we and others employ facilitate even greater adherence to safety best practices, and I firmly believe we will continue to see new, better ways to maintain our commitment to safe operations. On this most paramount issue, I believe our entire industry agrees.
Tectrans experienced unprecedented interest in our company as a new alternative for contracted transit operations in 2010, and I expect that trend to continue through 2011 and beyond. We know that transit authorities and the other public entities that oversee transit systems are continuing to fight the “budget battle.” This may get better in 2011 but we are still far from a full recovery. These constraints make contracting for management and operations a very logical and potentially cost-saving option. So when transit authorities are researching their options, we expect them to continue to seek new and improved alternatives, like Tectrans.
I believe that 2011 will include the continued trend of increased scrutiny of public sector spending. In this environment, I am convinced that transit buyers hold an even greater responsibility to ensure that every dollar is spent responsibly. This means that every procurement decision must be made with complete transparency. Companies like ours and our competitors must respond in kind, with utmost sincerity, integrity and accountability.
Lastly, with the recent midterm election, there will certainly be areas of the country that will see the focus shift away from high-speed rail, and toward more traditional modes of transportation.
