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More Light Rail Nonsense

By John Riley

More trash reporting.  (see article below)  This "news article" is more of a propaganda piece than anything else.  Just read the headline. ("Public likes light rail..") 

Ask the public if they would like to have a new Cadillac Escalade, and most of the public would of course say yes.  But just like this "light rail" proposal, it's not affordable and is the least cost effective for our overall transportation needs.  Especially when items of a far greater need are delayed or scrapped because of it.  In this case it's many other important road and highway projects. 

We must make sound choices!  It's a sound choice to say "No, that large screen TV and super stereo sound system would be nice, and as much as we would want one we don't want to give up paying our utility bill and rent just to have one." 

We simply must make sure our primary road and highway improvements and projects are fully funded first before we can consider such an expensive light rail project that is not cost effective or universally beneficial in moving people from point A to point B. 

The proponents of light rail would love to block funding of important highway projects as they have done, like the addition of traffic lanes to the I-71 corridor for example, and then when the traffic problem increases they can then point to it and say, "See, look at this traffic problem!  We need light rail!"  Hogwash! 

We need to fully fund our most cost effective and convenient transit system.  It's our roads and highways, not light rail.  If there is a need and a desire for more mass public transportation then fine.  Buy more buses!  Bus routes are far more flexible and can serve far greater numbers and areas than light rail ever could at far less expense. Unfortunately, many of the public buses we see every day are half empty because they are not convenient and reliable for most people's transportation needs. Light rail would be even worse and would serve an even more limited public that might benefit from it.

KIPDA is apparently making the right decision based on all the information regarding transportation needs and funding.  The priority should indeed be on road and highway improvements first! 

Put the question in the proper context:

Does the public want a light rail system that serves a very limited area and number of people at the expense of having to give up major road and highway projects in their area?  The answer would be a resounding NO!  Most people want the roads and highways improved FIRST!  Would they "like light rail"?  Sure, but not at the expense of sorely needed road improvements! 

The Courier Journal has as usual decided to enter the political arena on this issue and disguised it as news and reporting.  Once again, their credibility is called into question by ignoring important facts and by not reporting the whole story. This is not news reporting!  And it is contrary to the truth!

http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061127/NEWS01/611270383/1008

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