WUI (Writing under the influence)

Many (less than 1% of all commuters) in this area are very proud of "our" MAX (light-rail) and will be happy to learn that there is a $52 billion provision in the new transportation bill to fund mass transit projects around the country. One of those projects will be another new line in Washington County. It would seem, given the level of deficit spending by the federal government, that such projects just can't wait. It must be because the current lines are full and new ones have to be built.

Paint P.J. O'Rourke (and me) somewhat skeptical.

There are just two problems with mass transit. Nobody uses it, and it costs like hell. Only 4% of Americans take public transportation to work. Even in cities they don't do it. Less than 25% of commuters in the New York metropolitan area use public transportation. Elsewhere it's far less--9.5% in San Francisco-Oakland-San Jose, 1.8% in Dallas-Fort Worth. As for total travel in urban parts of America--all the comings and goings for work, school, shopping, etc.--1.7 % of those trips are made on mass transit.

Then there is the cost, which is--obviously--$52 billion. Less obviously, there's all the money spent locally keeping local mass transit systems operating. The Heritage Foundation says, "There isn't a single light rail transit system in America in which fares paid by the passengers cover the cost of their own rides." Heritage cites the Minneapolis "Hiawatha" light rail line, soon to be completed with $107 million from the transportation bill. Heritage estimates that the total expense for each ride on the Hiawatha will be $19. Commuting to work will cost $8,550 a year. If the commuter is earning minimum wage, this leaves about $1,000 a year for food, shelter and clothing. Or, if the city picks up the tab, it could have leased a BMW X-5 SUV for the commuter at about the same price.

Since I'm currently boycotting German products, this gas-electric Lexus would be more appropriate.