This is cross-posted from Bloviations.
Since I’m a liberal, it’s probably no surprise that I’m not a fan of the John Locke Foundation (it’s NC’s version of The Heritage Foundation, or a group of right-wing free-market fundamentalists posing as “moderate-centrist-libertarians”). Their blog, Locker Room provides a perfect example of why with this post that compares American (and possibly* specifically Charlotte’s) light rail with over-populated Asia’s mass transit rail (with complimentary YouTube video).
Clearly, it takes a lot of thoughtful analysis to make that comparison, since Charlotte’s population (630,000-ish) is the fraction of most any major Asian city.
False comparisons: That’s all the right-wing free-market fundamentalists are capable of making these days. So sad, since I used to respect one.
*Edited to not unfairly attribute an intention upon the
Comments
Yep.
It's sort of a parody of itself. Which would be funny, except it's not.
Save Traffic
It is National Bike month
And Monday beings Bike to Work week.
Just sayin'.
Thomas S. Brock
www.brocknet.net
http://blogs.brocknet.net/bloviations/
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Thomas
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Very great, Greg.
You sure do find cool stuff.
Where's the Comparison?
Am i the only one missing any reference to Charlotte in that post? Did they edit it?
Are there any other cities in NC with light rail?
Thomas S. Brock
www.brocknet.net
http://blogs.brocknet.net/bloviations/
What have YOU done today to elect a Democrat?
Thomas
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I guess it can be assumed
I guess it can be assumed because it's a NC organization, but it only says "Thank goodness the majority of American cities aren't dense enough for this."
While I'm obviously not as familiar with the Locke Foundation's posting as you are (rarely go on there), I think this might be stretching a bit.
hilarious
The JLF linked video is hilarious -- and besides, the system they show is NOT light rail.
Knowing the JLF...
It's possible that their use of "dense" is different than my interpretation.
Though, I will say, the JLFers aren't for any government idea and mass transit is often pushed by local governments to reduce traffic congestion.
Thomas S. Brock
www.brocknet.net
http://blogs.brocknet.net/bloviations/
What have YOU done today to elect a Democrat?
Thomas
What have YOU done today to make the world a better place?
I haven't checked the numbers recently
but the JLF was one of the groups saying that the number of riders on the Linx would not be high enough to warrant the cost. My understanding is that in early weeks there were a record number of riders. I'm pretty sure it leveled off to still be higher than predicted by JLF. I'll check in to that. I have been meaning to anyway so we would have an opportunity to point out their flawed research.
Robin Hayes lied. Nobody died, but thousands of folks lost their jobs.
***************************
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continues to rise
Charlotte's light rail ridership has continued to rise through March, it has not leveled off at all. April's will probably show a drop from March since March had a lot of special event ridership (basketball tournaments)
Excellent news, thanks!
Robin Hayes lied. Nobody died, but thousands of folks lost their jobs.
***************************
Vote Democratic! The ass you save may be your own.
ridership on Lynx
The ridership numbers are higher than was ever predicted. Parking lots are full and during peak times, it is tough to get on the trains they are so full.
Charlotte transit is looking to buy more cars for the line.
"jump in where you can and hang on"
Briscoe Darling to Sheriff Andy
Wasn't McCrory a transit booster?
Who has the inside scoop on that whole deal?
huge booster
MPP is a huge booster of the light rail system.
The light rail has been one of the succeses of his tenure. The revitalization that has gone on along the line is amazing.
"jump in where you can and hang on"
Briscoe Darling to Sheriff Andy