08-29-2007, 02:17 PM
Following the old tracks is probably out since some of it now crosses private property and even have houses built where tracks once ran.
Light rail is a wonderful thing with one exception; it's a money pit. There isn't a single light rail project on the mainland that has come close to paying for itself. If you want to be in debt to a project in perpetuity, go with light rail. Never get caught up in the spin politicians present over who's paying for what, it's all smoke and mirrors. Ultimately, taxpayers foot the bill one way or another. For the cost of one mile of light rail, you can buy 10 buses and operate them for 10 years. Light rail works only if you have the population to constantly ride it (you need daily commuters). A population that’s large enough to provide the ridership (What is the BI's population compared to Portland?). A population going where it goes (can't reroute light rail once the tracks are down). Have the infrastructure to get people to the light rail (it's not going to stop in front of your driveway). And you have the money to pay for it.
Lets not forget the associated problems when those on the East Side, are turned back by a bunch of people on the West Side dressed in the latest Calvin Klein Genuine imitation Aloha Shirt blocking the tracks with their Lexus crossover SUV's and brightly colored scooters yelling "GO HOME" while drinking their moicha-frappa-latte-la-la.
Light rail is a wonderful thing with one exception; it's a money pit. There isn't a single light rail project on the mainland that has come close to paying for itself. If you want to be in debt to a project in perpetuity, go with light rail. Never get caught up in the spin politicians present over who's paying for what, it's all smoke and mirrors. Ultimately, taxpayers foot the bill one way or another. For the cost of one mile of light rail, you can buy 10 buses and operate them for 10 years. Light rail works only if you have the population to constantly ride it (you need daily commuters). A population that’s large enough to provide the ridership (What is the BI's population compared to Portland?). A population going where it goes (can't reroute light rail once the tracks are down). Have the infrastructure to get people to the light rail (it's not going to stop in front of your driveway). And you have the money to pay for it.
Lets not forget the associated problems when those on the East Side, are turned back by a bunch of people on the West Side dressed in the latest Calvin Klein Genuine imitation Aloha Shirt blocking the tracks with their Lexus crossover SUV's and brightly colored scooters yelling "GO HOME" while drinking their moicha-frappa-latte-la-la.