Does Rapid Transit Subsidize Sprawl?
As we enter 2009, the pro-transit crowd is celebrating. Sure, the recession is hurting CATS, just as it is hurting most organizations. But 2008 was a great year to say “I told you so” to transit opponents. Ridership numbers exceeded expectations, and very few of the predicted problems manifested themselves. In fact, most problems that did occur – such as too few cars and inadequate station amenities – were the result of cutbacks. Pointing to the successful Blue Line, urbanists are clamoring even more loudly for additional routes. The Blue Line extension to UNC Charlotte and the North Commuter Rail Line are presently both being engineered. The transit lifestyle is ascendant, it would appear, along with a newfound appreciation for urban living. The urbanists cheer light rail as the first step in a move away from the suburban model of development that has dominated the Charlotte region for years. But is the rapid transit plan, as conceived, a boon for smarter growth? Let’s take a look at
