If there’s one thing every procurement team in public transit knows too well, it’s this: the real delays don’t always come from the work itself. They come from the process.
The biggest pain point blocking efficiency in transit projects today is procedural. It’s the legacy procurement habits that keep agencies locked into slow workflows, outdated specs, and “safe” single-supplier routines that no longer match the demands of modern transit systems.
In other words: Transit doesn’t struggle because it lacks capability. It struggles because it lacks flexibility.
But it doesn’t have to stay that way.
This guide explores how procurement and project teams can reduce delays, expand their supplier options, and still meet every compliance requirement—without adding risk or cutting corners.
The Procurement Paradox
Transit agencies operate in one of the most regulated environments in the public sector. Specs exist for good reason: public safety, structural reliability, and long-term value. But the same controls that protect projects can also slow them to a crawl if they’re not supported with modern processes.
Here’s what that looks like on the ground:
- A cab car refurb is approved and funded.
- Engineering preps the BOM.
- Procurement sends out the RFQ.
- The lowest bidder wins, but they may need 20 weeks to deliver the cable.
The project stalls. Crews wait. The agency shifts riders to replacement bus service to keep the line moving.. Everyone wonders why the fix isn’t happening.
The answer isn’t a budget problem. It isn’t a labor shortage. It’s paperwork, and the way it’s been handled for decades.
Where the Process Breaks Down
Let’s look at the most common bottlenecks that block progress:
Single-Source Comfort Over Risk Management
Agencies stick with one legacy supplier—not because it’s the best option, but because it’s familiar. That worked when project timelines were generous and infrastructure needs were predictable. Not anymore.
Even fully compliant, technically equivalent products may be excluded before they’re reviewed. As a result, agencies miss out on availability, pricing, and supply-chain flexibility.
Paperwork That Happens Too Late
Under old models, compliance documentation arrives after award. That’s where delays multiply. If a certificate is missing or a test report is out of date, procurement has to circle back through layers of engineering, legal, and QA.
None of these problems are technical. They’re structural. And they’re solvable.
How to Streamline Procurement Without Sacrificing Compliance
Procurement teams aren’t just buyers—they’re risk managers and project enablers. If the process moves smarter, the entire system benefits.
Here’s where to start.
- Prioritize Availability for the Items That Can Be Stocked
Specs will always dictate certain materials, and not every item can sit on a shelf. But for the cables that are commonly used in repairs, refurbs, and repeat builds, availability matters as much as compliance.
When evaluating suppliers, ask for clear visibility into stocked inventory, typical lead times, and past fulfillment performance. That’s where Cameron Connect adds value: core Exrad items are ready to ship when the project allows it.
- Require Compliance Documentation With the Quote, Not After
Move document review to the front of the workflow.
Bid language should say: “All compliance certificates, test results, and traceability documents must be included with the proposal.”
That one sentence can save 4–6 weeks of post-award back-and-forth.
- Write Specs That Allow Equivalents
Instead of mandating a single model number, use performance-based language: “Cable shall meet or exceed NYCTA-approved standards for flame, smoke, toxicity, and irradiation performance.”
This opens the door to qualified alternatives—while maintaining all safety and regulatory protections.
- Choose Partners, Not Just Vendors
Lowest bid isn’t lowest cost when lead times stall the project.
New procurement question: “Does this supplier understand transit timelines—and can they help us stay on schedule?”
This is where Cameron Connect adds value. With deep transit experience, stocked product, and manufacturer alignment, the company is built to support real-world project pressures.
Why Speed Matters More Than Ever
Transit systems are entering a historic rebuild phase. Federal funding is flowing. Car fleets are being modernized. Projects that have been “on the list” for years are finally in motion.
And that momentum brings pressure.
- More vehicles to refurbish.
- More parts to replace.
- More stakeholders watching timelines.
But the supply chains originally built for multi-year capital cycles don’t match the pace of today’s expectations. The industry needs new options. That’s where Exrad comes into play.
Real-World Insight: The Stocked Cable Advantage
Here’s a simple comparison from the old days to the new landscape with Exrad on the market:
Old model:
- Cable spec locked to a single supplier
- 16–20 week quoted lead time
- Repairs wait for material
- Costs increase, deadlines slip
Modern model:
- Equivalent cable (Exrad) approved and stocked
- Documentation already verified
- Material ready to ship in 48–72 hours
- Repair completed in days, not quarters
That’s what happens when procurement is built around readiness instead of reaction.
A New Procurement Mindset
This idea is all about optimizing internal systems for the way transit works now:
Compliance is the baseline. Availability is the differentiator. Preparedness is the advantage.
Procurement teams who embrace this shift won’t just reduce delays—they’ll redefine what efficient public infrastructure looks like.
A Quick Exrad Checklist for Procurement Teams
Want faster projects without risking compliance? Start here:
■ Exrad is the new alternative to cable on the market
■ Exrad can offer your team the required compliance documents and test reports from manufacturing
■ Exrad offerings prioritize stocked inventory and great pricing
■ The Exrad team, Cameron Connect, delivers industry expertise to help guide your purchase
■ Exrad can help your team achieve efficient install with reasonable lead times, if any
Closing Thought
Transit systems shouldn’t be waiting on paperwork when the work is ready to go. The more procurement evolves, the more reliable public infrastructure becomes.
Cameron Connect helps build supply chains that keep transit moving.
Want to talk through how stocked Exrad cable can reduce downtime and eliminate procurement delays? Let’s connect.
