The N&O has not published this letter yet. I hope the editors will allow honest debate on the subject rather than being a booster for all cost/no benefit rail systems in the Triangle.
Editor
News and Observer
Raleigh, NC
The latest rail study (?Rails seen as relief for congested
roads? 5/12) predicts that the commuter rail system between Durham and Wilson
Mills would carry more passengers than the systems in San Diego and San Jose.
San Diego?s rail carries 0.55 percent and San Jose?s rail carries 0.33 percent
of the motorized passengers in their areas. Business and government officials need to explain to
Triangle taxpayers how taking about one-half of one percent of the traffic off
the roads will reduce traffic congestion and pollution.
Michael Sanera
Director of Research and Local Government Studies
John Locke Foundation
The failure of rail to solve congestion and pollution problems was the topic of Randal O”Toole’s presentation at the Locke Foundation on Monday. See a video of his presentation here.
