In case you missed it, Channel 13 had an excellent report last night on the Rail Runner. It echoed many of the points in our new policy paper which calls on Gov. Martinez and the Legislature to shut the boondoggle down.
Rail Runner: Go big or go lean?: krqe.com
However, while I appreciate Larry Abraham’s having blown the whistle on the real financial situation taxpayers face as a result of the train, I think his suggestions to expand the system are absurd. Perhaps a casino car or a shift to emphasis on tourism could make a dent in the train’s financial situation, but I don’t see a government agency having the incentives or capability to be truly innovative.
Dump the Railrunner! Institute a smart transportation system that uses alternative fuel buses and shuttles. Smart systems tailor the use of vehicles based on the amount of riders that are available. I’m amazed at all of the environmental people who support the Railrunner. More often than not I see just a handful of people coming or going on this huge train.