What does $70 million buy?
From:
Paul Nelson
Date:
May 12 00:55 UTC
Short link
Mr. Sheldon Gitis wrote:
"Opposition to the Pawlenty-Met. Council one-size fits all reduction of the
most frequent, most
heavily-used, most cost-effective public transit in Minnesota..."
That statement is factually false in morte ways than one.
The 16A bus line as well as the #50 and the I94 are *not* cost effective. I
know the financials of the MTC bus system. There are no cost effective bus
lines in the MTC. In fact, Mr. Gitis contradicted himself when in a recent post
he stated he avoided getting on the 16A because of crowding, and decided to
wait for the more expensive #50. Discouraging ridership is not cost effective.
All over the country people are taking *rail* transit in increasing numbers
greater than any kind of bus system. Here the Hiawatha LRT is moving twice as
many passenger trips per day than the #50, #16 and the 94 combined. In fact the
Hiawatha LRT is moving passengers at a significantly lower cost per passenger
ride than the afore mentioned busses combined.
I am pressed for time, so I will not repeat figures here. I would encourage Mr
Gitis to reesearch the financials himself.
In addition, I will state that Mr. Pawlenty in concert with the Met Council *is
not* supportive of transportation, transit, and particularly rail transit. That
is my firm assessment of history and intuitive judgement, as well as public
documentation. Mr. Pawlenty, I think hates rail transit, and he clearly
demonstrates a dim view of cities, and particularly Saint Paul. Mr. Pawlenty
was quoted recently as stating: "I am not necessarily opposed to the project
(The Central Corridor)". I have no ideal what that statement means; a very poor
expression to the public.
More later if I have time.
Paul Nelson
Ward One - D7
Hyde Park
.