Do government interventions help foster American manufacturing in public transportation? By and large, they help only marginally, say those who have been involved with the industry for decades.

“… most suppliers serve other, bigger markets, such as trucking or freight railroads. Tougher restrictions may force these suppliers out of public transportation entirely.”

With a three-phase plan to move manufacturing of bus structures to its Anniston, Ala. plant, company CEO/President Jim Marcotuli believes the removal of some freight and duty from its current cost structure will position NABI to be more cost and lead-time competitive.

While on the face of it the proposal sounds like a great idea, the changes miss the real solution to building the U.S. transit supply side and could worsen American companies' ability to compete overseas.