This is kind of old news, but I'm incredibly bummed that Jindal refused funding for the light rail between New Orleans and Baton Rouge. I don't know how to say this without being offensive to Louisiana representatives, but seriously yall, Mass transit is the shit!--- (last time I will ever say 'yall' I promise! I nearly got clubbed by some LSU fan on Saturday)
I mean you wouldn't know how good and cost effective transit can be if you've only ever taken the bus in Baton Rouge--b/c BR bus system is limited, runs irregularly and doesn't meet the need in a significant way. The bus doesn't even run to the Baton Rouge airport!
The bus was my number one means of transportation to work and school when I lived in Philadelphia and DC. The bus was cheaper then the metro, and was faster then the metro at rush hour. You could very easily live in those cities and not own a car.
I've ridden the Accela from Philadelphia to New York, so I know that light rails are expensive, but I think the light rail would be good for BR because:
1) Wealthy folks who commute between BR and NOLA could potentially get rail travel subsidized (or partially subsidized by their employer) and bypass the frustration that is commuting in the south
2) A fast accessible option for traveling between Nola and BR might bring some of New Orleans tourist industry to Baton Rouge (at least for a day trip)
3) Finally, and this is real life, folks to go to New Orleans to drank (or at least I do). No one's going to drive an hour and a half home (or they shouldn't)
I say: Yes! Jindal, fucking take the money! And while you're at it, don't just make a super expensive high-speed train. Expand the bus system. Obviously there are more lower income folk than rich folk in Baton Rouge.
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