Public transit has been an issue in Ward 2 for a long time. Opinions vary widely: what kind of system do we need? Are we ready for one yet? Do we need to start planning now?
Questions are being raised, but it doesn't seem like any productive discussion is taking place. The issue gets brought up, but then the issue gets dismissed. I don't know why that is, but we can't afford to let it slide any longer. Fuel costs and infrastructure costs associated with automobiles are rising too far, and many members of our community are being disproportionately affected.
In my futuristic dreams, I see a regional and state rail system, supported by buses, ride share lots, and bicycle trails. A lot of people say that Fayetteville and Northwest Arkansas don't have the density to support a rail solution, but I think it's the other way around. There are numerous communities with similar densities that have great transit systems.
In fact, we can use a rail system to drive the development patterns we want to see. We can use our transit solution as a tool to develop our town in forward-thinking ways. It may not be time to lay track or start buying up right-of-way, but it is time to start talking about this issue.
The newly-formed Regional Mobility Authority's agenda seems to include only new road projects, which I don't think we need. I think we need an integrated solution to the limits of our transportation network. Additional consumption of our greenspace for new roads is a short-sighted, off-the-hip answer. I will lobby the Regional Mobility Authority to give equitable and forward-thinking solutions their due consideration.
It's time to commission a light-rail feasibility study.
