Thursday, September 16, 2004
Voters approve rail, then agency cuts service
Last November, Houston voters approved the diversion of transit money that had been intended for bus improvements to construction of rail transit. The transit agency, Metro, assured voters that there was plenty of money for both rail transit and buses.
Now the agency says that it is facing a shortfall, so it is severely cutting back bus service. Of course, it is still going ahead with plans to build rail and, in fact, has decided to build a very expensive tunnel (subway) underneath downtown for the light-rail.
Now the agency says that it is facing a shortfall, so it is severely cutting back bus service. Of course, it is still going ahead with plans to build rail and, in fact, has decided to build a very expensive tunnel (subway) underneath downtown for the light-rail.
Comments:
>>>>>>Several speakers made a final plea at Wednesday's meeting for the board to spare their route. But directors said they could not continue to operate routes with low ridership that require a high tax subsidy<<<<<<
It's important that Houston continue to fund and develope the LightRail and tolley lines even at the expense of the bus riders. Many if not most of those lines have low ridership and will have to be discontinued. Light Rail move many more passengers than bus service and should get the subsidies.
The "very expensive tunnel" will be needed if Houston wants to eliviate more traffic congestion due to the excessive number of cars that enter the city. These progressive and expensive measures are necessary and will pay off huge dividends as tens of thousands give up their cars for lightrail.
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It's important that Houston continue to fund and develope the LightRail and tolley lines even at the expense of the bus riders. Many if not most of those lines have low ridership and will have to be discontinued. Light Rail move many more passengers than bus service and should get the subsidies.
The "very expensive tunnel" will be needed if Houston wants to eliviate more traffic congestion due to the excessive number of cars that enter the city. These progressive and expensive measures are necessary and will pay off huge dividends as tens of thousands give up their cars for lightrail.
