MPLS should not even build one train to throw LRT under.

I am asking you to forget that the Hiawatha exceeded ridership expectations by 65% in its inaugural year. I am asking U of M officials to put aside the objections raised in a 22 page memo to federal funders. Finally, I am asking Gov. Pawlenty to continue to veto state spending for Light Rail Transit, but for the right reason.

The Reason: Minneapolitans have cars.

The current edition of the Southwest Journal featured a cover story on the 100th anniversary of the Como-Harriet Street Car. This train has operated on its current, expansive 1-mile track since 1971. It’s ridership: a pitiful 30,000 per season (it cannot even run in the winter months.) These numbers and conditions are hardly indicative of a formula for a transportation revolution.

The reason Minneapolis’ streetcar system was derailed in the first place was because of the increase in the popularity of automobiles, and rightly so. Look at the numbers.

In 2006, the MN Dept. of Public Safety reported over 1000 alcohol related crashes in Hennipen County alone. I will say it again: 1000.

Assuming drunk drivers only drive under the influence once, and only wreck their own car, this statistic means that 1000 cars (minimum) were in operation on the roads of Minneapolis in 2006. How many light rail lines were in operation? The answer is one.

The numbers do not lie: 1000:1. Which number is bigger? That’s right. Cars win.

Not only are they more prevalent, cars are more functional. They allow you to depart at what ever time you wish, and they don’t force you to ride with foul smelling foreigners as if you were in Europe.

Proponents of LRT will, of course, disagree with my assessment. While others may call these pro-tram dissenters public advocates or visionaries, I call them unemployed. To their wild protestations I can only reply: “ride the bus.”