By: Margaret

Margaret — Fri, 10 Jan 2025 19:08:29 +0000

Per John Ley's report on the Dec. 2024 C-TRAN board meeting, "The light rail O&M costs are projected to be $20.2 million in 2033, and Express Bus costs of $1.55 million... Farebox recovery was estimated to cover $5.45 million of the $21.7 million annual costs. That left Oregon paying $9.07 million and Washington paying $6.8 million towards light rail, plus C-TRAN would cover an additional $442,297 for Express Bus service. This makes the Washington share $7.27 million each year... The light rail transit cost is 384 times the cost of bus service, on a per mile basis. The 1.83-mile light rail extension and a 54.1-mile express bus route mileage... Another complication was the total projected costs were allegedly offset by passenger fares. TriMet is predicting a 25 percent farebox recovery of operating costs. Yet when asked, the C-TRAN’s Scott Patterson said “the estimated farebox recovery of 25 percent is overly optimistic.” ' Seems like no city in Clark County benefits from gold plated light rail, which is what voters concluded when every city in Clark County and limited county area rejected the 2012 CTRAN ballot proposition to extend OR TriMet MAX light rail into Clark County over a proposed I-5 bridge replacement. Buses and vans have and do meet the demand now and in the future. Buses and vans are flexible in vehicle size and route for vastly less $ than fixed track light rail with overhead electric lines that freeze in winter and overheat in summer. Buses then rescue the light rail riders. Buses and vans can share a lane with traffic, freight, and emergency vehicles. Hopefully the CTRAN board members will better represent their cities and reject unnecessary and expensive light rail, the most expensive transit option of all.

Comments on: Camas City Council member joins opposition to funding for light rail extension operations and maintenance

By: Margaret