Light rail opens TODAY (Dec 27th)...go check it out! (Phoenix: rent, purchases)

[Ponderosa]

Originally Posted by Greatday

No, I will not stop saying it is "efficient", for it is efficient.

It moves people from Point A, to Point B, quietly, swiftly, cleanly, comfortably.

I would suggest that you are making comments based on lack of knowledge of the subject.

Go ride the Light Rail - end to end.

Then, and only then, will you be able to talk knowledgeably about this new and efficient system in the Valley.

You don't understand what the word means or have a non-economic conception of it. One of these days when I have three gallons of gas and five hours of time to waste, I will take a ride on the Reading Railroad. I am not as certain as you that the fog of rational thinking will be removed from my eyes, but who knows?

[Greatday]

Originally Posted by Ponderosa

OK, you don't understand what the word means.

Nor do you

Ride the Light Rail - then, get back to us.

[Ponderosa]

Originally Posted by Greatday

Nor do you

Ride the Light Rail - then, get back to us.

I am not inexperienced in light rail. I lived several years in Munich (Germany) and spent countless hours riding the rails of that city. It made sense there. The Strassenbahn (street rail) was everywhere - like our buses - and the U-bahn (subway) went to the major "attractions". People lived in high rise apartment buildings, there were no urban freeways, and Marienplatz area downtown was the center of the action. The system was integrated with the city not added on as a redevelopment ploy.

[ArizonaBear]

Originally Posted by Ponderosa

You don't understand what the word means or have a non-economic conception of it. One of these days when I have three gallons of gas and five hours of time to waste, I will take a ride on the Reading Railroad. I am not as certain as you that the fog of rational thinking will be removed from my eyes, but who knows?

Originally Posted by Greatday

Nor do you

Ride the Light Rail - then, get back to us.

OK: let me chime in here:

For Greatday the Light Rail makes sense since he lives way out east and catch a bus to the Sycamore station hence ride to wherever.

Ponderosa: it sounds to me you are a bit jealous because where you live the LR is of no relevance to you.

Myself: I live in S Scottsdale and if my car died (it is not not doing well as it is); I can take one bus (72) directly to the station at Rural Rd and ride to the places in central Phx that are of interest to me.

Then again: I happen to like older enclaves due to their architecture and basic ambiance. Newer areas like N Scottsdale--------------pass (unless I have business there which is rare).

[ArizonaBear]

Originally Posted by Ponderosa

I am not inexperienced in light rail. I lived several years in Munich (Germany) and spent countless hours riding the rails of that city. It made sense there. The Strassenbahn (street rail) was everywhere - like our buses - and the U-bahn (subway) went to the major "attractions". People lived in high rise apartment buildings, there were no urban freeways, and Marienplatz area downtown was the center of the action. The system was integrated with the city not added on as a redevelopment ploy.

Had to smile there: when visiting Budapest with my family in 1973; my cousins and I (half Hungarian here) rode the Metro all over the place------------it was a hoot!

Too; I am from Wash DC (born/raised but left due to its nasty weather) and actually rode the first two lines of the Metro there-----------again, it was neat. DC had a Trolley network which was removed in 1962--------fast forward to 2008 and DC is reinstalling a Light Rail system as we speak.

So; yes, I do have a warm spot in my heart for things that ride on rails.

As for Phx: we had a rather complete Trolley system here till ca. WW II.

Basically; what is old is new again.

I may work on the auto repair field but; quite frankly, driving around here is fast becoming a PITA.

[Greatday]

Originally Posted by Ponderosa

I am not inexperienced in light rail.

BUT, you ARE "inexperienced" in the Phoenix light rail.

Are you also inexperienced in the San Diego light rail.

[Greatday]

OBTW: From 19th and Montebello station, to the Sycamore Station (end to end) is 1 Hour 15 minutes. 2 1/2 Hours round trip. Not 5

[Ponderosa]

Originally Posted by ArizonaBear

OK: let me chime in here:

For Greatday the Light Rail makes sense since he lives way out east and catch a bus to the Sycamore station hence ride to wherever.

Ponderosa: it sounds to me you are a bit jealous because where you live the LR is of no relevance to you.

Myself: I live in S Scottsdale and if my car died (it is not not doing well as it is); I can take one bus (72) directly to the station at Rural Rd and ride to the places in central Phx that are of interest to me.

Then again: I happen to like older enclaves due to their architecture and basic ambiance. Newer areas like N Scottsdale--------------pass (unless I have business there which is rare).

I am not jealous. I prefer my car. I am not opposed to light rail, pe se. In fact, I hope it succeeds in resurrecting downtown and the decaying corridor through which it runs. I get annoyed at the messianic complex of the light rail supporters. That's all.

[Ponderosa]

Originally Posted by Greatday

OBTW: From 19th and Montebello station, to the Sycamore Station (end to end) is 1 Hour 15 minutes. 2 1/2 Hours round trip. Not 5

Add an hour to get there and an hour to get home.

[Greatday]

In 1 hour, by car, I can go from the far east valley to the far west valley.

Ponderosa must live in Ajo