Opinion --- Rail system necessary

On your Nov. 8 front page, you talk about transportation plans for the next 30 years. Most of this involves widening current roads, advanced traveler information, upgraded traffic lights and bus lanes. Commissioner John Albion said, "Our current transportation system is like riding the bull. We're just trying to hold on." However, if the county does not implement a rail transportation system, it will still be trying to ride the bull when the population surpasses 1 million.

The county commissioners and officials need to wake up and look around at other regions of the country where rail transportation along with integrated, seamless systems (light rail, commuter rail, Amtrak) are making a difference. One rail line can handle the traffic of a 10-lane highway.
There are so many examples of successful rail transportation stories in this country. Why can't we look beyond our region for help?

Cost of congestion is $78 billion/year in wasted time and gas. With mass transit more cars will be sitting at home or in parking lots.

In highway versus rail costs, you get 10 times the capacity for each dollar invested. For every dollar invested in mass transit, the economic return is at least five times when you consider economic development.

ROBERT J. STEWART
Fort Myers