The Independent reports that the Triangle Transit is holding a series of public meetings to solicit input on the routes for the proposed light rail in the Triangle. The Independent quotes the email newsletter from Raleigh City Councilman Thomas Crowder to his District D constituents:
This [running light rail through District D] will work to preserve our existing neighborhoods, parks and open
spaces, as well as make District D’s existing neighborhoods much more
attractive to future home buyers.
In other words, light rail through District D will make your home more valuable, thus the half-cent sales tax increase to pay for it will be in yourself interest.
Crowder also believes that light rail will solve the traffic congestion problem on I-440.
First there are over 60,000 car trips a day on I-440 between Raleigh |
Cary and RTP. Anyone who travels this corridor understands stand-still
morning and evening traffic is almost a daily occurrence Durham and
Orange Counties public officials are committed to connecting Chapel
Hill and Durham with light rail in their First Phase.
Unfortunately, light rail will not solve the traffic congestion problem. In fact, if built, it will make the problem worse by diverting funds from real congestion relief. Of the 22 largest urban rail transit system in the country, only six carry more than one percent of the share of total passenger travel and only one of those (NYC) carries more than three percent. Subtracting 600 cars from the 60,000 car traffic jam will not solve the congestion problem on I-440.
