It's one of those amusing relationships. The Virginian-Pravda's editorial board semi-regularly chimes in about the need for regional mass transit, but the news pages behave as if light rail was the only component to mass transit. In recent months:
1. They didn't cover the March fare Public Hearing.
2. They didn't cover the April MAX Public Hearing
3. Two stories in Friday's paper on HRT, but neither mentioned Thursday's change in UCAC leadership.
No, The Virginian-Pravda only sends Debbie Messina to a meeting if there's a light rail story in the making.
Even if we build a regional light rail network, buses will still carry the majority of transit passengers in Hampton Roads. They might not be as sexy as trains, but they're critical to mass transit.
4 comments:
I have been thinking that a hydrofoil commuter between Richmond and downtown Norfolk would be a nice venture. If it could be hooked up at each end with reliable and inexpensive/subsidized transit, then this could be a fun and profitable transport service.
Yes, taking a boat from Norfolk to Richmond would be "fun". The hitch: trying to navigate the James River at higher speeds. I'm afraid it would be too slow to be a realistic alternative.
If you haven't yet, check out www.rich2hrrail.info Higher Speed Rail between here and there.
You are correct about the Pilot ignoring the meetings. I understand that some crazy ideas come from some of the more "interesting" commission members.
Occassionally you'll have something floated by a Commissioner. However, it's usually committee reports, the CEO Report, and unanimous votes.
After about a dozen meetings, I've seen only a couple flashpoints: over this year's Retreat site and the Commission stipend.
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