While the debate on overall WMATA funding continues, there is a secondary debate about adding light rail to the current bus-heavy rail mix.
I am on the fence about light rail. I think the bus is a more efficient and much cheaper option, but I can see how the permanence of investment of light rail can attract much greater secondary investment than the bus at a cheaper cost than heavy rail.
Here in San Fran, where I am this week, light rail (called MUNI) is a great revitilizer of smaller retail districts and does an amazing job at incorporating suburban areas into city life without the need for more cars, highways or parking investment.
While riding it today I was lost in a dream – a light rail loop from H Street NE to downtown to SE Waterfront to Anacostia and back.
Crazy yes, but damn cool too. What’s your light rail dream?
This post appeared in its original form at DC Metblogs
