2 replies to this topic

[vdogg]

Jam packed transit system running on fumes

And to think, if we'd spent half the money we have on Iraq upgrading our transportation infrastructure, we would have been prepared for this.

[beeninAL]

vdogg, on Jun 11 2008, 10:02 AM, said:

Jam packed transit system running on fumes

And to think, if we'd spent half the money we have on Iraq upgrading our transportation infrastructure, we would have been prepared for this.

I concur.  Granted, it could probably be argued that had the Iraq war never happened the prices wouldn't have gone up but I disagree since there are other factors in play.  The point is still there, however.  With all the money spent rebuilding OTHERS' infrastructure that war destroyed, I feel we could have improved our own and prepared ourselves.  But what is done is done and there is no turning back.  I just hope that the urgency will be seen and that the money will be found SOMEWHERE without sacrificing too much.

The article you linked to still makes a striking point, though.  Much of the mass transportation STILL relies on oil.  Beyond alternative sources of energy, I'm not sure how else this could be worked around.  I figure that if more people are moved around on mass transportation, combined with fuel efficiency on those mass transportation vehicles, it'd be much better.  Then there may be the possibility that if electricity, whether by wires or another way, is used in some of the mass transport options you will have both a quiet way to get around and a fuel efficient way.  Wonder how many windmills it would take to power a transportation line?

Perhaps it will start to be more viable to privatize mass transportation in some areas once more.  A good businessperson might be able to come up with money out of thin air, and I know that if I myself at least had a million or so bucks plus a degree in transportation know-how I would seriously start considering and researching into bringing bussing in the area.  I'd also strive to make the NICEST busses, stations, and hubs in the state, ever, and do what I can to utterly shatter public transportation's (at times) negative image.

Here's hoping that if oil prices DO go down to a more acceptable level, we will have had a wake-up call and won't go back to our old ways.

[Gard]

I was happy to see them take a swing at my city for lack of attention to mass transit.  Ladies & Gentleman, the age of mass transit has officially arrived in America, enjoy the ride!