Herman Kleine: Unrealistic transit plan

Regarding the June 7 news article “Wake adopts transit plan, will seek voter approval of half-cent sales tax hike”: Octavia Rainey had it right when she said, “This plan is top up not bottom up.” The folks who most need good public transit are those with no vehicle. They are very limited in the area they can get to for work. This generally means low-paying unskilled work. They need reliable frequent bus service. Nothing fancy. But the advocates say, “It will reduce traffic congestion and connect the Triangle’s focal points, such as N.C. State University, Research Triangle Park, Duke University and UNC-Chapel Hill.”

Has a survey been done to estimate how many of those workers would use public transportation and give up the ability to go where they want after work? Where will they leave their cars when they get on the bus? The plan is $2.3 billion. The tax will cover $1 billion The rest comes from a vehicle fee and a federal grant (we hope). Commuter trains by 2027 (think never). This plan is not ready for prime time. Back to the drawing board!

This story was originally published June 18, 2016 at 6:00 PM with the headline "Herman Kleine: Unrealistic transit plan."