More jobs, opportunities for shopping, and recreational activities are available to individuals with automobiles than those dependent upon what is available within walking distance of a light rail line. Not to mention the additional freedom of choice regarding where to live that automobile owners are afforded. Another half-truth propagated by light rail advocates is that light rail will reduce our dependence on automobiles. The simple fact is, even regular riders of light rail, whomever they may be, will still prefer to own a car if they can afford it. This argument is dubious for several reasons.
Urban sprawl is just another name for the American dream of home ownership for nearly everyone.
Without the development of the suburbs and the highway system they depend upon, most young families could not afford a home. In Portland, where urban sprawl has been effectively stopped through highly restrictive zoning laws, the dream of home ownership has been priced out of reach for many young families. Further, the ironic effect of combating urban sprawl is to increase traffic congestion within the city. Simply put, the more people packed within an area, the more traffic there will be there. Perhaps the worst deception put forward by the light rail advocates is that somehow building a light rail system will benefit citizens of greater Minnesota.