[Mpls] Transit Modes

[Resist America]

In regard to our discussion of PRT, I have to say that
I like the bus system, but just one thing could be
improved if it were technically possible. Having
ridden the LRT enough times now, I think the use of
the electric motor is the nicest part of it.  The
noise and fumes are so much less than any form of
petroelum driven transportation. If there were a way
that we could have buses driven by electricity, I
would be very much in favor of evolving by attrition
to that from diesel buses. I think the time is going
to come when it will have to happen.  Perhaps the
initial planning should start as soon as possible. 
Many many years ago, I lived in a city out west that
neither had street cars no diesel buses. It relied on
electric buses. But I'd hate to retreat back to that
system. I'd much rather see some system developed
where buses could run off batteries that would
recharge during layovers. Or perhaps some other hybrid
system.  If fuel cells became feasible, that would be
excellent, too.

One thing all these discussions fail to ever consider
is the economic environment.  We seem to look at all
problems like this in an unchanged economic context.
But we know that is foolish.  The economic context is
changing under our feet as we speak.  Let's make sure
we have a plan that can cope with severe economic
change.  In a time when even certain conservatives are
questioning our headlong plunge into resource
dependence, it makes no sense to plan as if that
dependence will be forever acceptable.  I think that's
part of the thinking of PRT adovcates: Don't plan mass
transit because people will always use their personal
cars, no matter what the economic environment. We were
quite lucky in World War II that America had not yet
become attached to the car.  Gas rationing would have
been very politically difficult had that happened. And
I can see some rationing system coming again in the
future, this time for homeland security.

Minneapolis needs a strategic plan to stay viable in
these changing economic circumstances.

Jim Mork -- Cooper

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