In 1995 a San Francisco court declared the sole-source Motorola deal illegal, and a year later the city finally solicited bids. Something similar could happen with NextBus. And once the NextBus groundwork is laid, it is almost certain the company will receive any additional contracts related to expanding the system. IDmicro's Stewart was skeptical. As with Motorola, the city could justify continuing with BusWatch by reasoning that it doesn't want to abandon its investment or by writing its new request for a proposal so specifically that only NextBus could satisfy its requirements.
Taxpayers never get the opportunity to ascertain whether they are getting the best possible deal.
That's why I hope Prop. G passes in November.