Feb 11 Outsourcing By Default

This past snow storm, I saw a couple of Metro Transit snowplowers at my local transit hub.  They were late model, nice looking pickups with "cow catcher" style blades up front.  I then saw a story on KSTP-TV showing how some local landscapers were plowing during the winter, in many cases to keep their firms alive in this tough economy.  So I wondered: why doesn't Metro Transit outsource their plowing to these firms?

I would think many firms would love the chance to at least bid on this work.  We'd get a good price.  Instead, and correct me if I'm wrong, Metro Transit hires their own people and buys their own equipment, dedicated equipment that sits idle most of the year.  And what do you bet the drivers are well paid, with those "Cadillac" benefit plans we've been hearing about lately, including retirement?  Again, correct me if I'm wrong, but it's the way to bet.

Ditto the Metro Transit cleaning crews I've seen from time to time, who arrive in fancy vehicles just to sweep up and take out the trash.

Perhaps there ought to be a law, that the first choice for such work must be outsourcing.  By default.  By design.  The Department of Labor and Industry Commissioner would rule on any applications for an exception, which must detail the cost impact and the underlying reasons.

Had we done this long ago, we would have a lot more work done better, done more creatively, done faster and/or done more productively, as only the private sector can do.

Cross-posted and comments welcome at Speed Gibson.