Anderson & Turpin wrote: >It's funny how the only arguments being made for mass transit are to complain how expensive and impossible highway construction is. Those arguments would be a lot more credible if they'd include the cost and possibility of reducing congestion by building mass transit. Berg had an article in today's Strib that said it would cost $20 billion to build enough lanes to make congestion "reasonable." His only reference to the cost of mass transit was to say that $20 billion would build 20 Hiawatha lines. But I seriously question whether 20 Hiawatha lines would make congestion "reasonable."
David Piehl writes: I think framing the argument as "mass transit must reduce freeway congestion to be valuable" is an automobile-centric paradigm. Isn't the goal to move people? If the goal is to free up capacity on the freeway network, then I'm confused. Mass transit is the preferred mode of transportation in many cities around the globe; and it could be someday in Minneapolis as well. On a recent trip to Mexico City, I was told that the rail system in Mexico City moves 2 million people each day. Traffic in Mexico City is horrible (as well as traffic related pollution), but what would it be if there were an extra 2 million cars added to the mix each day?? As far as I can tell, nobody has provided evidence that road construction and enhancement actually relieves congestion. Atlanta is the text book example that the "if you build it they will come" principle applies to roads. Atlanta tried to build it's way out of congestion, and it is now more congested than ever even with 14 lane freeways. No thanks! Minneapolis must pursue alternate modes of transportation, whatever that may be. David Piehl Central __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? The New Yahoo! Shopping - with improved product search http://shopping.yahoo.com REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
