The city of Charlotte really wants to build a streetcar line. Queen City taxpayers probably will have to dig a bit deeper to pay for it, though, as construction bids have come in over 30 percent above projections. Such overages should come as no surprise, given the history of transit…
From 2007 to 2012, Charlotte’s population grew by 17 percent and the metro as a whole grew by 13 percent. But rail-transit boardings grew by only 5 percent.
Experts agree the Triangle is ill-suited for light-rail transit, though the enlightened promoters of a World Class Community won't let reality stop them from pursuing their dreams.
For all the talk about New Urbanism, “multi-modal transportation,” and the like, automobility not only remains the default option but also has been increasing over time.
RALEIGH — A trio of transportation experts told the Wake County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday that more bus service, and less eagerness to move to light rail, appears to be the best next step for Wake County.
A couple of years of 10 percent jumps in bus riders only represent a few thousand people statewide. That doesn’t come close to eliminating the need for new road projects.
If public subsidy for transit is justified, it should be financed with a broad tax, not an unfair levy on car rentals.
Planners’ visions of transit-oriented development are bound to lead to violations of private property rights.
RALEIGH — Members of a special transit advisory commission used their final scheduled meeting recently to stress the urgency of approving a bold set of transportation recommendations for the Triangle that includes an expansive rail-transit system.
No wonder transit boosters seek to redefine terms. In their continuing struggle against suburbia, the automobile, and limited government, the English language is not their friend.
