Light rail: Yes or no?

With the scary economy and temporarily plummeting gas prices, please don’t lose sight of this perfect time for light rail in Kansas City. Our need for alternative transportation will only increase as Kansas City grows and gasoline resumes its crazy price climb. The matching federal funding creates an incredible return on our tax investment.

This starter line is well planned to eventually connect with the airport and surrounding suburbs to move workers and travelers efficiently and affordably. The design, engineering and construction will employ many locals during the next few years.

The increase in property values along the route will attract investors, entrepreneurs and development dollars, which will bolster our downtown momentum through this rocky economy.

And finally, the urban development and “sense of place” that follow light rail systems improve the quality of life for all people of all socioeconomic levels who live in, work in, play in or visit Kansas City.

Please vote yes for light rail.

Stacy Ernst
Kansas City

With the economy in its current condition, it makes sense to vote no on light rail. It would be nice to have, but we can’t afford it now.

When most people think of light rail, they think of systems like that in St Louis. That system runs on its own separate right-of-way, isn’t slowed by cross traffic and doesn’t interfere with street vehicles. That’s not what we’d get. Our system would run on existing streets, competing with other vehicles. It wouldn’t cut traffic congestion by much, if anything.

It would be years before light rail could deliver any benefits. Before construction starts, expect plenty of lawsuits from groups unhappy with whichever plan or route is selected. Meanwhile, the costs would just keep going up.

Kansas City also faces the huge costs of improving its sewer system and other infrastructure, as well as providing basic services such as police and fire protection.

On Oct 30, page A-1 of The Star said, “… some City Council members and budget analysts say the city’s revenues are stagnant and other costs are exploding.”

A councilwoman said, “Public safety is our No. 1 priority, but we have no money.”

Vote no on light rail.

Jeffrey Missman
Kansas City

Comments

[Engineer]

solomon
KCMO's plans for "The Trolley Line To Nowhere" remind me of the "Bridge To Nowhere". However, I am saving your comment for future reference. To date, I have always voted for the various area projects. Next time one comes up I'll call up your remark and think about it.

[Marctnts]

"This starter line is well planned..."

An extremely funny comment when considering the "circus of incompetants" that planned it.

[solomon]

Stacy,

Your dream of connecting the suburbs is Kansas City's nightmare. If the suburbs want light rail, let them build it TO KC. No offense to anyone who lives in one, but to hell with them if it cost me money.