The public is also well aware of the delays and cost overruns that have dogged the light-rail plan. Roughly half of all voters believe that, in light of these delays and overruns, construction of the Link plan should be delayed until the public has had another chance to vote on the plan in its current form. The public strongly believes that any regional traffic plan must address the problem of traffic congestion. In the most general terms, voters believe that the two most effective means of reducing traffic congestion are light rail and bus service . At the same time, voters are not sure that the Link light-rail proposal now under consideration would do an effective job of reducing congestion.
Support declines somewhat after voters hear a presentation of arguments for and against the plan.
Voters are most likely to express reservations about the Link proposal after hearing messages that highlight its cost, and the increased taxes necessitated by recent delays and cost overruns. Public opinion is closely divided on the question of whether to proceed with construction of the Link system at this time. A substantial number of voters favor holding off until the public has a chance to vote on this proposal again. In light of the considerable changes that have already affected the Link proposal, we asked respondents whether construction should be delayed until another vote on this proposal can be held. Others say that we have debated this issue for too long already, and the time has come to move ahead with construction of the Link light-rail system as soon as possible.