Rectangular structures are easier and cheaper to build than curved
structures. I would also expect that the gap between a curved boarding
platform and a straight train car door would be excessive.
"A fairly cheap and quick way of speeding boarding and reducing
park-in-bus-zone conflicts are bus bulbs"
Autos parking in bus zones is less common now because the fine was
increased to about $270 several years ago. So bus bulbs are primarily
installed to eliminate the delay encountered when buses merge back into the
traffic lane.
"If most of the first order of Breda's is nearly done, and the 2nd order is
being awarded now, how long a gap will there be between the two orders?"
My impression is that the remaining 25 Bredas on the first 77 car order
will be received through early 1999, and the first Bredas on the second 59
car order will arrive in late 1999 early 2000. Thus about a 9 to 12 month
gap.