The Issues
Transportation
FasTracks has turned into an expensive boondoggle, which will come in over time, over budget, and without any of the promised traffic reductions. The problem of a decentralized metropolitan area with cross-county commuting was recognized over fifty years ago by urban planners, and we have yet to develop viable alternatives to the outdated inbound-outbound commuter patterns.
Trains are inflexible, and do not change with changing population patterns or neighborhood evolution. Busses, and the roads they use, are flexible, providing many alternatives as commuting patterns change. For the foreseeable future, the gasoline-powered automobile will be the mode of transportation for the overwhelming number of citizens. Keeping traffic moving reduces gas consumptions and keeps the air cleaner.
We must find ways to make our road system more efficient, and to support the use of busses instead of rail.
I plan on using the bus to travel between my home and the State Capitol, excepting Fridays and the days before Jewish holidays, when using the car will allow me to stay at the office later.
- Help city and regional governments conduct traffic surveys and hire traffic engineers to help smooth the flow of traffic.
- Find ways of expanding roadways to reduce congestion points.
- Consider the expanded use of private tollroads to finance construction.
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