Dear Editor,
I think the rail line proposed in Prop. 1 is more an amusement park ride and is more an effort by which developers, construction firms, and elected officials can plunder the state’s Rainy Day Fund than it is a serious effort to alleviate the traffic congestion that afflicts Austin [“
Proposition 1,” News, Oct. 17]. If people want to really do something to relieve traffic congestion, we should bite the bullet and realize that it would be much more effective, much more environmentally benign, and much less costly if we simply left our cars parked at home, started getting into one another’s vehicles, and started practicing ridesharing on a massive level. Incentives should be provided to encourage people to do so – commuter lanes, better parking places, reduced fees, pats on the back, and jubilant “attaboys!” Those who don’t wish to participate, who insist on driving their cars solo, should expect to pay for the privilege and for the congestion that they are contributing to.