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Twin Cities light rail line trimmed; cities, counties kick in more money
Where’s the stories of freight train’s? Of late this magazine only seems to write about passenger, transit, and preservation. Were the CSX derailments, 2 within 1 week not deemed railroading enough for a rail fans interest by the editors?
I agree Lawrence. I would like to see more about derailments and new locos and a lot less about local transit that is still years away.
Transit development is news that no one else covers (well), especially the long range planning and negotiation that has to go into building out these systems.
For this one specifically, it’s shame that the cuts are aimed at the connections (park-n-ride, bike racks, etc), since that’s often what’s needed to complete the equation for travelers.
For everyone else: https://www.google.com/search?q=csx+train+derailment Pictures and all.
Fellow readers should understand that Trains Newswire depends on the reports of independent “stringers” throughout the US and overseas to bring us these stories. Trains Magazine and its Newswire is not a mainstream news medium like major magazines, newspapers, broadcast networks or all-news websites. The Newswire can cover only those stories reported to it. It doesn’t have the resources to “chase” all stories. Sure, at times coverage may seem to favor one area over another, but overall I find the Newswire to be pretty balanced.
Over $12 million per mile for a project that will loose money? What a waste of tax payer dollars for the benefit of a few. Mass transit already exists (bus routes) in the same area where light rail will be constructed. Those of us that live in outstate Minnesota could care less about light rail. In the past railroads realized passenger service was a loosing endeavor. Light rail will continue to be a tax burden in the future. Why can’t this money used to complete highway projects such as U.S. Highway 14 from Mankato to Rochester, or repair countless secondary roads that are full of pot holes? The highway 14 project has been in the works for over 30 years with the lack of money being the major reason it can’t be completed. More people use this highway on a daily basis than any passengers light rail would ever haul.
Donald,
Why not propose that the Hwy 14 be built as a toll road?
My guess you want it to be federally funded, which means me in Chicago will pay for part of it.
I’ll never ride that road as long as I live!
But I believe in the common good. So I’ll support your highway I’ll never use if you’ll support my mass transit to get me to work that you’ll never use.
But if you all keep disagreeing, just be careful one day, you might get what you’re asking for. You’ll find funding dry up and the cities will do fine and rural America may again resemble what it was like before federal government spending. Watch the 1st 20 minutes of the Wizard of Oz if you need a reminder. Or the Grapes of Wrath.