Our Opinion: Alternative ideas needed
Wednesday, June 18, 2008 11:45 AM PDT
Officials in Oregon and Idaho should begin working together to create a mass transit system — preferably light rail — to link the Boise metro area with areas of Payette and Malheur counties.
The idea was once so far out there that it resembled science fiction. Yet with rising gas prices and a road system that demands constant upgrades, costing taxpayers millions, the idea of a mass transit light rail system is beginning to make more and more sense.
Of course, there are a multitude of challenges to such an idea, not the least of which is public indifference.
That disinterest, though, is slowly evolving into a real regard, and that should not be surprising either.
We should expect government to strive to continuously improve policies and methods for the benefit of taxpayers.
The question is whether such a system is necessary and, really, how much taxpayers are willing to contribute to such an idea.
Some kind of mass transit light rail system is not only essential but needed. The Treasure Valley is only going to continue to grow. Which means, based on recent trends, Idaho taxpayers will continue to shell out more funds to keep roads up to par.
Why not invest now in a concept such as the light rail? The short-term gain may be minor, the cost massive, but in the long run the idea makes a tremendous amount of sense. Portions of Eastern Oregon — mainly this area in Malheur County — should also be part of the plan, which means officials from two states would have to work together. That may be easier said than done, but it will be imperative.
The transportation problems in our valley are only going to grow over time. With gas climbing to all-time highs, isn’t it time to start looking at other modes of transportation to help the public?
