Hole in the Wall
Rail a Great Investment
RECEIVED Tue., March 30, 2010
Dear Editor,
As the pervasive, interconnected systems they are, transport systems inevitably involve governments for planning, exercising eminent domain, and financing. They also impact society in various ways. Mr. Skaggs’ comments [“You've Got Rail!,” News, March 26] concerning our new rail line only consider government financing of the Austin-Leander rail line. Out of context, these figures might seem excessive to some readers. However, when compared to the cost of relying on automobiles, it’s a great deal. Without going into detail on the impact of the auto, let’s consider 1) the hundreds of billions of dollars that go into our military budget to defend Middle Eastern auto fuel sources, 2) each month's (year in and year out) deaths from auto accidents in the U.S. roughly equal the number of deaths on 9/11, and 3) that auto-produced air pollution impacts the health of many. Given the weight of other options, I think spending on the Leander line was a good investment and hope additional projects extend our rail transport options.
As the pervasive, interconnected systems they are, transport systems inevitably involve governments for planning, exercising eminent domain, and financing. They also impact society in various ways. Mr. Skaggs’ comments [“You've Got Rail!,” News, March 26] concerning our new rail line only consider government financing of the Austin-Leander rail line. Out of context, these figures might seem excessive to some readers. However, when compared to the cost of relying on automobiles, it’s a great deal. Without going into detail on the impact of the auto, let’s consider 1) the hundreds of billions of dollars that go into our military budget to defend Middle Eastern auto fuel sources, 2) each month's (year in and year out) deaths from auto accidents in the U.S. roughly equal the number of deaths on 9/11, and 3) that auto-produced air pollution impacts the health of many. Given the weight of other options, I think spending on the Leander line was a good investment and hope additional projects extend our rail transport options.
Philip Russell