WRTA's Serious woes

[Towntalk]

You're absolutely right Jay.

If you go to any major city - New York - Washington, D.C. - Chicago or even Cleveland you will find thriving transit systems.

In some cities like New York a parking space in a public parking garage costs as much as a rental home in Boardman, and the same holds true for Chicago.

But how do you change people's mindset? I suspect that WRTA would really welcome the answer to that question.

[jay]

We need to rid the public of the stigma that public transportation is only for the needy.   In most cities of the world, public transportation is everyone's transportation.

[Towntalk]

This sounds both racist and bigoted on his part. We know that this sort of attitude exists in Canfield Boardman, but how do we overcome it?

The simple fact is for this valley to survive we need each other. Just look around you and what do you see ... empty store fronts springing up around the suburban business districts, and run down business districts. Fast Freddie who was subbing for Dan Rivers this morning was pointing this out.

As our economy continues its downward decline and fuel costs continue their upward climb, mass transit is becoming more important than ever before.

What would the folks living in the suburbs do if gas prices climb to $5.00 a gallon, and the price of natural gas are going to be increasing?

It's one thing to talk about the need for alternative energy, and that is important, but what are we suppose to do before these things come on line? Bills have to be paid today ... meals have to be put on the table today. The bill collectors won't wait until there are windmills and solar panels as far as the eye can see.

There is no question about the need for WRTA. In an area like ours, its a necessity.

[jay]

The WRTA ballot issue was the topic of discussion on the afternoon talk show today.   People from the suburbs are opposed to any sales tax money for the WRTA.

One caller basically stated that he wouldn't want to ride with the type of people he sees using the existing bus service.

[jay]

I would like to know how many city residents use the WRTA each day to travel to work.  Of these, how many are going to jobs in the city and how many are going to jobs in the suburbs?

These questions should be asked at the next WRTA Board meeting.

[Towntalk]

http://www.vindy.com/news/2008/jul/07/sales-tax-levy-would-keep-wrta-buses-rolling/