tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7218149071529011844.post9143664929936797621..comments2024-03-09T05:03:54.979-05:00Comments on Public Transit in Ottawa: Transit planning in Arkansas is a lot like OttawaPeter Raaymakershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10883553886241429786noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7218149071529011844.post-82389880045751025302008-05-10T11:47:00.000-04:002008-05-10T11:47:00.000-04:00I'd have to disagree with Luoni's assertion of the...I'd have to disagree with Luoni's assertion of the benefits of light rail. <BR/><BR/>Widespread construction of a light rail infrastructure through already developed neighbourhoods can/would hinder "neighbourhood based merchants" and divert existing transit and traffic to an unsustainable level, whereby detours and longer commutes become commonplace. <BR/><BR/>Of course, the speed bumps encountered before light rail is fully operational are supposed to be out weighed by the end results: A sustainable, efficient and accessible form of mass transit. The argument can quickly descend into an "ends justify the means" tautology. <BR/><BR/>The costs (which Luoni acknowledges) are not the only factors to consider when erecting light rail, or any sort of rail transit in a city already developed. Municipal, and even state/prov/federal, governments need to bring new ideas, new theories and approaches to urban areas regarding transit, as taking what worked for cities 10-30 years ago, might not work as efficiently for today's urban environment. <BR/><BR/>The results of those cities who adopted light rail decades ago are now apparent, copying them would only be a temporary solution that would inevitably reveal itself to be a disappointment when, decades from now, the late-adopters to late rail realize that they've committed themselves to a dated form of mass transit. <BR/><BR/>If looking back at previous mass transit initiatives teaches policy makers and transit thinkers anything, it's that they should be looking forward.Jason A. Chiuhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02748048446413148242noreply@blogger.com