DC Metro Takes a Leap Forward, But May Find a Stumbling Block
For "the first time in a generation," DC officials have moved forward with plans for a new transit system. A $40 million project to build 2.7 miles of light rail was approved by Metro officials yesterday. The system would bring service to some of the most economically disadvantaged neighborhoods in the area.
The rail line would start at the foot of the John Philip Sousa Bridge at Pennsylvania Avenue SE and run southwest, hugging the Anacostia River, to Bolling Air Force Base.
The 2.7 mile line is a demonstration of a planned 33 mile light rail network which will stretch across the region.
But the plans will likely meet resistance from Metro's new chairman of the board of directors, Rebert J. Smith, a Gaithersburg Republican. Smith, an opponent of Metro expansion of any kind wants to "shelve the $4 billion rail expansion to Dulles that Virginia wants, and put on hold the light rail in Anacostia proposed by the District."
Of expansion proposals, Smith has said, "I think they're all very nice. I love Disneyland as much as anyone. But the reality is, we're in an extreme crunch, and the primary focus has to be protecting, defending and maximizing the system that we've already got."
Good luck to proponents of DC-area traisit expansion. Smith appears to be your most formidable opponent.
Post Author:
cs | 09:03 AM |
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Seriously, do we really need light rail in Anacostia when we're raising fares on Metrorail?
No, but we seriously need a Dulles rail extension. And we wouldn't have to be raising fares on Metrorail if the damn local governments would fund what they're supposed to fund.
While we're at it, let's get some ads in the system, too. I'm so annoyed by those pious idiots complaining about advertising sullying the system, I'd be all for billboard space given away for free, if just to piss them off.
Even better, we'll only sell ad space for the legalization of drugs. Piss off those congressmen. Speaking of which, I hear the ACLU is involved with that now. They're suing WMATA and the federal gov't, i think.
The ads on the Metro trains themselves have been interesting. The one about PETA vs. childhood cancer patients was particularly interesting, as the "sponsor," Center for Consumer Freedom was indeed the shilling front group I thought it was.
