Much of the proposed Austin system would depend upon our ability to add the rails, which is an enormous cost and time issue. This is a basic policy question, really. This is where things get messy. I am not impressed with the threat of losing the federal funds that will only go to light rail. Much can be done to fix and expand the current system and ridership at a fraction of the cost of light rail.
Proponents proclaim, however, that it is now or never.
I am not convinced. If light rail is voted down, I believe the future of the public transit system will continue to be debated. In fact, perhaps pressure would increase on policy makers to provide more information, forcing them to answer some of the many questions that make the simple light rail referendum so complex. I believe the voters will have another, perhaps better informed choice on a more solid public transit solution. Copyright 2000 LBJ Journal of Public Affairs.