I've wondered about the financially viability of a number of LRT systems, given that a lot of them (e.g., Denver, San Jose, Sacramento) are overbuilt, have low rates of fare box recovery, and lack competitiveness (time wise) with buses or cars. Moreover, with several planned or under-construction systems that look like complete boondoggles (e.g., Kansas City and Phoenix), it appears that this trend will only get exacerbated.

Instead of these white elephant LRT systems, a much better investment would be in commuter rail. If the objective is to reduce trip length, which would have corresponding reductions in traffic congestion, tailpipe emissions, and energy consumption, commuter rail is far more effective because it can move passengers longer distances and do it far more efficiently than LRT.