http://www.electionforum.org (http://www NULL.electionforum NULL.org)
During the current L.A. County and Los Angeles City election, many Los Angeles area politicians are again talking about mass transportation subsidies. In some cases, the actual real costs of each ride could be $500 to $5,000—subsidized by the taxpayers.
An example of the insanity: A subway to the sea. Mayor Villaraigosa wants it. The City Council wants it. And many of the candidates want it.
But here is the reality check:
- It would take decades to complete
- It would cost untold billions of dollars
- Takes away needed funds from roads and freeways
- Makes no sense in an earthquake prone area
- It would tear up some of the most expensive property in the world
- Could hit dangerous natural gas lines
- And…most importantly…only a few people would use it. In fact, less than 2% of the Los Angeles population uses public systems—and public transportation use dropped by 9% since 2000 despite rising gas prices.
Public mass transit in Los Angeles has proven itself to be ineffective, unpopular and outrageously expensive per passenger. It’s a failed system that continually and increasingly needs subsidies to survive.
Let’s not elect mass transportation advocates. They’re not realistic and are all-too-willing to spend your money on ineffective transportation systems.
