Re: SMART grant funding
Author: SMARTer than you? Or not.
Date: 09-08-2019 - 18:46
Cprr Wrote:
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> Well if they (Smart) would only allow more freight
> at night, and in between rush hour, then they
> might get more money. This is so stupid that some
> sort of deal to help develop both passenger and
> freight would benefit all concerned. But I know
> the CEO is a overpaid dick that does not want to
> do any compromise.
The freight potential is tiny, with little realistic growth potential. It wouldn't generate much additional net revenue, if any. Foam dreams are not reality. They might save more money in the long run by dropping freight service and becoming a closed transit system instead.
But the article is damning of the current sales pitch. $364 million to extend 22 more miles to 2 small towns that only have 20,000 residents in their greater area. Windsor-Larkspur has 400,000. Better to focus any improvements in the latter. Less operating expenses if don't go north of Windsor. Passengers to the north can drive to Windsor to catch the train. Google traffic maps doesn't even show a rush hour slowdown in either direction north of Windsor on workdays.
And then the mouthpiece says that they will get the state and feds to pay for 75% of the unneeded expansion to Cloverdale. We wouldn't want one of the wealthiest set of counties in the nation to pay for their own transit toy.
It is good to see the board members being skeptical and more realistic. If I lived up there I'd vote this thing down in a heartbeat to send a message. Regroup, reprioritize, get an honest leader, and try again later.