If You Thought Mass Transit Would Not Work..... (Tampa, Clearwater: taxi, property taxes)

[BucFan]

Jack up the sales tax and real estate tax to build a billion dollar light rail that will remain empty and unused.....this is not NYC, Boston, folks. People here enjoy driving to their destinations.

[Trigger-f]

Driver investigated after 78 killed in Spain train crash | Reuters

Speaking of mass transit/light rail, take a look at the above link....

[jsun556]

The problem with light rail is that it will be used the most by the people who pay the least in taxes.

[gypsychic]

Originally Posted by jsun556

The problem with light rail is that it will be used the most by the people who pay the least in taxes.

I agree.

To me, this is one of those things that comes under the heading of "the idea of it is great" but the reality not so much. It is too expensive to build, too expensive to maintain, will always operate in the red, and too many will have to pay for something via taxes that they will never use. Everything is too large and spread out here - this is not Europe where countries are small and everything is compact. My opinion is that better bus systems and maybe a few privately operated train systems are all that is needed or practical here.

[BucFan]

Originally Posted by jsun556

The problem with light rail is that it will be used the most by the people who pay the least in taxes.

qft

[Sunshinecc]

Originally Posted by gypsychic

I agree.

To me, this is one of those things that comes under the heading of "the idea of it is great" but the reality not so much. It is too expensive to build, too expensive to maintain, will always operate in the red, and too many will have to pay for something via taxes that they will never use. Everything is too large and spread out here - this is not Europe where countries are small and everything is compact. My opinion is that better bus systems and maybe a few privately operated train systems are all that is needed or practical here.

I agree with you Gypsychic on the bus systems. I could be wrong since I am not very familiar with the layout of Tampa yet but by what I read on here, the mention of sprawling demographics, it reminds me of the layout of San Diego. There's downtown and then there's the greater part of San Diego which is very spread out. One time out there, I was staying with one friend who was going one place one day and I was meeting up with another friend elsewhere in the complete opposite direction. I decided to figure out the bus system. I get really overwhelmed with things like this but I walked to the closest stop, took the bus to one of their central stations, and from there it was a piece of cake. For each neighborhood, they had a little booklet to follow. I loved it. I'd def. take the bus more if it was as easy in Boston.

[jsun556]

I'd probably use light rail, but only when I want to go out drinking or to a Bucs game. lol

[Sunshinecc]

Originally Posted by jsun556

I'd probably use light rail, but only when I want to go out drinking or to a Bucs game. lol

It may sound funny but it's a very good use of public transportation. Cheaper than a taxi I'm sure. You just have to make sure you get on the right bus.

[jambo101]

Another problem with light rail is how far is the station from where you need to be,? if its more than a minor walk people are going to opt for using there own cars.

[jsun556]

Originally Posted by jambo101

Another problem with light rail is how far is the station from where you need to be,? if its more than a minor walk people are going to opt for using there own cars.

Exactly. All it takes is one block before the ladies in their heels are complaining. LOL. I'd rather deal with the traffic and parking then the complaining.