By a 68 percent to 32 percent vote, countywide voters turned back Issue 7, which proposed to use a half-cent sales tax to build a light rail system that could have ultimately stretched from Northern Kentucky to Paramount's Kings Island, as well as fund $112 million in expanded bus service throughout the region."
I was thinking about the missing light rail system today as I drove to work and lamenting the fact that so many of my fellow Cincinnatians haven't gotten on board with this. Oh, how I wish that there would be a train that traveled the I-71 corridor. I would take the train every day just so I wouldn't have to drive. I have to think that all the folks coming from Mason into downtown could benefit from this. Because every day, I see them, sitting still on the other side of the highway, waiting for it to be time for them to inch forward ever closer to downtown. That would drive me over the edge.
In my opinion, light rail into and out of downtown is a no-brainer. It works in so many other cities. Why can't we make this work?
I agree, this is a fantastic idea. Plus, what is a 1 or even 20 cent tax increase as opposed to 3.00 dollars a gallon for gas?? Americans are just too in love with our cars, I think.
ReplyDeleteumm, that would be awesome. think about how ridiculously much that would help our air quality, and cut use of oil!!!!
ReplyDeleteIn general, I agree that light rail is a good thing. But . . . there are some problems with it. 1)It does not work as well in an area of extreme urban sprawl. Things are just too far away from the lines. 2)Construction is a pain the ass. Phoenix is working on putting one in and, since they want it along the main travel ways, the roads are all torn up and have been for more than a YEAR now. 3)Lightrail actually moves relatively slow, so it can often take longer to get to work. Since it is above ground, unlike the Metro in DC, it has go slower.
ReplyDeleteAs I said, in general, I like light rail and think it's a good idea, but I can understand why some people would rather now. I just ready for them to finish the one here in Phoenix so I can get in and out of my apartment complex without having to dodge cones, construction equipment, and workers.
I still think it would be a vast improvement to our rediculous two hour long rush hour delays, constant wrecks on the lateral, insanely long bus rides, and most especially the effects on the atmosphere.
ReplyDeletei don't care how much of a pain it would be to install. i think this is absolutely essential. we cannot continue to spend money increasing our highway systems just to use more cars and more gas. it makes my blood boil. we need to suck it up and deal with a little discomfort for the good of our earth.
ReplyDeletethe toughest part will be selling this to the people that actually live in suburbia (thus the reason we don't have it already). i wold ride every day it in a heartbeat.