I don't understand why C-Tran would give away the store

I actually support light rail to Vancouver because that is the only other place that makes sense to build light rail. Most of Trimet's empire building has been pretty counter productive for transit riders in general but hugely helpful to construction contractors and developers.

But in the case of Vancouver to Portland  I can  see the  light rail line being productive to transit riders over the current system being used to connect the two cities. (even though light rail is proving itself to be overly fragile and has to be constantly bailed out by buses).

But what I don't understand is why C-Tran officials agreed to this $5 million dollar penalty if the contract was later considered void. Something stinks there, really stinks.

C-Tran's deal with TriMet stands | The Columbian
Records detail controversial C-Tran-TriMet deal | The Columbian