I read another good post from my friend Edward yesterday where he mentioned this article about light rail in the ASU State Press. ("web devil") To me, the article was very interesting. I get the feeling that the author isn't a real big fan of the Phoenix Light Rail project. From what I can tell, a large percentage of students do like the fact that Light Rail is coming to the valley. It is kind of cool to read differences of opinion on the subject. In fact, it will probably help us with the overall mix while developing RailLife.com.
Where the article mentions the high cost of parking, I begin to wonder if parking would be any less expensive if light rail wasn't available to carry students from one campus to another.
Where the question of sprawl is raised, one might ask if that is our only option for the future.
Where the point is made that the light rail system could "spoil the illusion" of our state being an oasis in the desert, I wonder if that might be a bit of a stretch.
I don't believe, for one second, that everyone is a fan of this system. In fact, I am really glad that they are not. We are free to make decisions and observations and that is a wonderful thing. (oh yeah, Happy 4th of July to you on Friday!) I am very aware that some people think way too much money is allocated for light rail. I am also aware that many people feel public transportation is a necessary part of our lives. One thing is for sure, light rail it IS coming, it is a reality and we should probably figure out how it can be used effectively. The timing of this project is actually playing right in to the hands of transit lovers. The price of gas doesn't appear to be coming down any time soon and with the growth plans of ASU, I seriously doubt the prices for parking are going to be considered a bargain in the near future.
Here at the Rail Life blog, we have not had a lot of people against the system but have had a lot of positive reaction from many people. So, don't be scared to voice your opinion, we allow equal opportunity for those opposed just as we enjoy hearing from people that are excited about the changes that are upon us. Once RailLife.com is up and running, there promises to be a ton of great info for all..
Nick,
I find it interesting that there would be objections to light rail coming from students at ASU. What? They don’t want to ride into town for a few adult beverages? Or, do they not want their pristine campus infiltrated and “discovered”?
>I don’t believe, for one second, that everyone is a fan of this system. In fact, I am really glad that they are not.
This is well-stated, and clearly true, based on the points raised in this article. Keep up the great research and writing!
The editorial reads like something out of Sun City: I have my patch of resort living and don’t tamper with it. In actuality, light rail is not incompatible with a low-density city. In fact, Phoenix’s relatively low density is the main reason why light rail is preferable to a much more expensive heavy rail system. Even if Phoenix and Tempe become much more dense in their shared urban core — something I support — the metro area will still be far less dense than New York or most other very large cities. The real illusion in the editorial is that we can continue endless outward development and completely autocentric living in the face of +$4 gas. That illusion needs to be shattered, and it’s amazing to think that some college students are so resistant to change that they want to continue to live in a bhouse of cards built on cheap petroleum.
David, I love reading the comments you leave on blogs. 🙂 You obviously have a very good understanding of this topic. (In my opinion.) 🙂
We are also HUGE fans of your http://www.phxrailfood.com blog. Thanks so much for stopping by.