Lurker Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Same with Marin and the IJ:
>
> [www.marinij.com]
> rship-drop-in-second-year-new-data-shows/
>
> Any article about SMART brings the NIMBY CAVErs
> out of the woodwork in the comments section.
>
> The people against the tax extension are a lot
> more vocal than the people for it. With 2/3
> required to pass, it feels like a long shot.


I generally remain neutral on the subject of SMART since I viewed it as a useful tool for getting Scarlet and Grey, P3 equipped EMDs on the NWP (damn, that sweet vindication) but SMART was a non-starter the minute they went DMU and not full size, "heavy commuter" like Caltrain. SMART was a "build it and they will come" concept, albeit all or none. Without a serious cut in transit time from Santa Rosa to Larkspur and an all-weather connection, SMART is an expensive waste of time and effort.

Except for getting freight on the NWP, which didn't initiate track rehabilitation until literally a few months after the SMART bill was voted on in 11/2008. NWP Co. was smart as they were able to subsidize their long term operation on the backs of the otherwise useless NCRA and SMART. Useful tools indeed.