Hi everyone,
As I've argued in the past, I am a big advocate for light rail in the Lehigh Valley. Based on the data currently available, I think light rail is vital to the long-term sustainability of the region, to controlling our taxes, our rate of development and to revitalizing our urban cores.
Well, it looks like light rail is expanding: A light rail system just opened in Phoenix, now the nation's fifth largest city. The system, which cost $1.4 billion, is twenty miles long and has been in the works since the 1980s. It also is a metropolitan system, as it crosses into neighboring cities. Phoenix also has an additional obstacle to contend with when it comes to light rail: in the summer, passengers must wait in an average of 106 degree weather. Phoenix had been the largest city in America without a public rail system, and other western cities have also opened a rail system recently.
I suspect that this is initiative will continue to gain steam across the country. Yes, gas prices are down (to a five year low), but that decline is largely a result of a collapse in demand due to the global recession. When we come out of this recession, gas prices will likely climb again and drivers will, once again, be squeezed at the pump. My biggest arguement for light rail (and, indeed, for urban living) is simply that I believe we are rapidly reaching the point where our current system of transportation (almost total reliance on automobiles) will be untenable, unaffordable and unsustainable. We have to look at alternative forms of transportation now if we want to plan for the future.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
Even Paul Marin is dubious about light rail, Mike. It is so expensive for such a small, closed system. I supported light rail until I learned what it costs.
Mike, You know I agree with you on the need for urban transit. Too Many people overlook the permanent employment position it creates. They also igbore how growth springs up around the stations much as growth takes place around Highway exits now. Those who read History for what it is will see how people fought Eisenhower on the Interstate Highway System as "Too expensive" Sound familiar?
When gas hits $10 a gallon, and it eventually will, lets see how they clamor for rail then, when the cost will really be exorbitant.
The smart thing to do is build it before you absolutely have to, hopefully our new President will include that in his renewal plan.
Post a Comment