Submitted by Nick theoldurbanist on Wed, 08/15/2007 - 4:56pm.
Now Jim Karlock and Terry Parker can be considered to be "pro-auto," but I am definitely not, having never driven a car, and relying on Trimet for practically all of my transport needs.
That said, I think that they have a lot of valid arguments here. Anytime we have new "snail rail" (and that is what it truly is) go into operation here, it degrades the integrity of the transit system, AND MY TRANSIT SERVICE. It is sad for me to say it, having ridden rail rapid transit to work for over 35 years. The rail "development" thing here is a myth; it has been subsidies that have encouraged development. Yes, I am aware that there are (biased) studies that have said otherwise.
It appears that we have a good number of parties are making a lot of money off all of this rail construction here in Portland. Crony capitalism, a la Cheney/energy companies, anyone? Well, to me there is no difference.
And, Ron and Sam, how many hobbyist "railfans," covert and overt are in working in your organizations? You might be surprised to find out. You see, I was in the railfan hobby for over 15 years, and well know about this "infiltration" syndrome (for example, when I was 19, a railfan told me about a job opening at the NY Regional Planning Commisssion, and I personally knew two other railfans who worked for that organiztion.) And forget about the "Euro-wannabe" planners here in Portland.
It is depressing to watch such a lovely city like Portland sink further and further into developing a dysfunctional transit system. Too bad people like me have to suffer.
Streetcar Lies, Continued
Now Jim Karlock and Terry Parker can be considered to be "pro-auto," but I am definitely not, having never driven a car, and relying on Trimet for practically all of my transport needs.
That said, I think that they have a lot of valid arguments here. Anytime we have new "snail rail" (and that is what it truly is) go into operation here, it degrades the integrity of the transit system, AND MY TRANSIT SERVICE. It is sad for me to say it, having ridden rail rapid transit to work for over 35 years. The rail "development" thing here is a myth; it has been subsidies that have encouraged development. Yes, I am aware that there are (biased) studies that have said otherwise.
It appears that we have a good number of parties are making a lot of money off all of this rail construction here in Portland. Crony capitalism, a la Cheney/energy companies, anyone? Well, to me there is no difference.
And, Ron and Sam, how many hobbyist "railfans," covert and overt are in working in your organizations? You might be surprised to find out. You see, I was in the railfan hobby for over 15 years, and well know about this "infiltration" syndrome (for example, when I was 19, a railfan told me about a job opening at the NY Regional Planning Commisssion, and I personally knew two other railfans who worked for that organiztion.) And forget about the "Euro-wannabe" planners here in Portland.
It is depressing to watch such a lovely city like Portland sink further and further into developing a dysfunctional transit system. Too bad people like me have to suffer.