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Re: SMART train tax heads to ballot
Author: Synonymouse
Date: 07-19-2008 - 01:05
If SMART insists on diesel it should go locomotive hauled like ACE and forget dmu's, which will not survive a collision with a truck at speed. I doubt in Europe where these dmu's orginate they have to contend with trucks that are so massive as ours. If you don't think it can happen consider the moron who tried to do a u-turn with a logging truck on Doyle Drive a few days ago. Not to mention the Metrolink disaster in LA, which involved an auto against a heavy rail train.
SMART is offering a meager level of service for half a billion. They would do best to start off with the bare bones and incremental approach. If they are prepared to invest serious money in grade separation then go real mass transit with electric light rail and frequent service and dump NCRA
Fares will be a problem too if they are higher than the bus. Sonoma County and north are mostly low wage areas, unlike Marin. Minimum wage folks won't flock to pricey trains. Don't forget that to get to San Francisco it will be necessary to transfer to a ferry, another expensive fuel-hungry operation.
SMART is offering a meager level of service for half a billion. They would do best to start off with the bare bones and incremental approach. If they are prepared to invest serious money in grade separation then go real mass transit with electric light rail and frequent service and dump NCRA
Fares will be a problem too if they are higher than the bus. Sonoma County and north are mostly low wage areas, unlike Marin. Minimum wage folks won't flock to pricey trains. Don't forget that to get to San Francisco it will be necessary to transfer to a ferry, another expensive fuel-hungry operation.
