03 July 2009

First US made streetcar in years unveiled

Oregon Iron Works has produced the first American made streetcar since the 1960's. Portland has placed an order for six of the streetcars, while Tuscon, AZ has placed an order for seven more. I think this is a great move by the Oregon Iron Works, especially since now is a time when people are demanding green technologies and "Made in America" products.


After the closing of the GM plant in Janesville, all I hear on the news is how GM back stabbed us or how Janesville's economy is going to plummet, just basically feeling sorry for ourselves. Why don't we do something positive with the factory, did we really think that a large SUV assembly line would be economically viable in the future? Is it really that hard to think in the future in stead of in the now? We should follow Oregon's lead and start producing streetcars or commuter trains or even "high" speed trains. I'm sure Bombardier or Siemens would love to help us start a local manufactoring plant in Janesville, we have the work force all we need is the work.

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