
Lars Larson considers the facts of life for transit systems in the Pacific Northwest
Lars Larson
The Northwest Nonsense
Consider the facts of life for transit systems in Portland (and Seattle).
Number one, transit is hazardous to your health, from the drug contaminated air to the assaults on passengers, you’re putting yourself in a dangerous place.

Number two, transit systems absolutely depend on cash from Washington D.C. for their very existence.
So, when you hear about the random and horrific stabbing murder of Iryna Zarutska almost 3-thousand miles away, don’t imagine it WON’T change things here.
American Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy sent the warning this week … the failure of Charlotte to protect passengers means he plans to cut off federal funding.
“I guarantee that if I find what I think I’m going to find, they are not going to have your federal tax dollars going to their public (transit). Zero. None. Nada.”
Secretary Duffy calls violence on public transit an “epidemic.”
Portland and Seattle want billions from the government to pay for ridiculous choo choos like Max and Link light rail that never live up to passenger traffic promises.
That includes the almost unbelievable billion dollars a mile for an interstate bridge light rail.
Now, we have a president who’s sick and tired to liberal tolerance for the criminal class and that federal money spigot just got turned off tight because of the feckless city management of transit.
Also read:
- C-TRAN board increases salary for CEO Leann CaverC-TRAN CEO Leann Caver received a 2.5 percent raise as the board recognized her leadership and celebrated rising ridership numbers after years of recovery.
- Clark County March storm response information and closuresClark County Public Works is responding to reports of flooded roads and parks, with closures and safety advisories in effect as heavy rains impact the region.
- C-TRAN: Light rail funding addressed again; changes are coming to C-TRAN board compositionC-TRAN approved new language tied to the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program that shields smaller cities from light rail operating costs while shifting potential financial responsibility toward Vancouver and the urban growth area.
- City of Washougal advances overcrossing design for 32nd St Rail Crossing ProjectWashougal officials have selected an overcrossing design for the 32nd Street Rail Crossing Project, aiming to improve safety and reduce traffic delays caused by frequent train blockages.
- Opinion: Trails, roadways and crosswalksDoug Dahl explains how Washington law treats hiking trails that cross roadways and whether pedestrians automatically have the right-of-way.






