With all due respect, can"t we say thet in the end the Key system met the same fate as the NWP, just that NWP went first.But,I believe there are several factors present now that didn't exist in the 30's-50's. First, is the mere size of the current population as compared to 50 years ago. Second, is the price of fuel. Although it currently is at a manageable level, the future price will easily reach the $4 plus level.
With higher cost ridership will quickly gravitate to cheaper transport modes making SMART more justifiable. Lastly, I have always supported the idea of a Rail-Bus and express down the tracks after picking up passengers in the local areas. Either way the rail line is a asset and should be maintained. It is not unlike Hamilton Air Feild, which was a class one airport, but now flooded and lost forever. Lets not lose this ROW to bike paths.