  Detroitman Member Username: Detroitman Post Number: 945 Registered: 06-2004 Posted From: 216.78.51.198 |
Momentum shift High-stakes transit talks in Lansing by Keith Schneider 3/29/2006 http://www.metrotimes.com/edit orial/story.asp?id=9045 Here's another article that is related to the first one. Back track Fifty years after the Motor City rode the rails by Michael Jackman 3/29/2006 http://www.metrotimes.com/edit orial/story.asp?id=9040 | ||
Dougw Member Username: Dougw Post Number: 1048 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 136.1.1.33 |
(from the first article)
Three cheers for Roger Penske!!  This region really does need a uniting figure such as Mr. Penske to make a good transit plan happen. From reading the latter part of the article, it might be good if he could put a headlock on House Speaker Craig DeRoche as well... | ||
Upinottawa Member Username: Upinottawa Post Number: 270 Registered: 09-2005 Posted From: 198.103.184.76 |
Hopefully common sense wins over political games on this one. Michiganders have been paying to build rapid transit systems in other states for too long. It is time that Michigan taps into this federal money instead of paying to improve the quality of life of competing regions. Also, considering the massive federal deficit, one can only guess how long this money will continue to be available. | ||
Eric Member Username: Eric Post Number: 390 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 35.11.210.161 |
I'd love to see that headlock of DeRoche. Transit needs an adovacate like Penske, Republican shitheads like DeRoche will be more willing to cooperate; if a very respected person with a strong business background supports it. (Message edited by eric on March 29, 2006) | ||
Alexei289 Member Username: Alexei289 Post Number: 1087 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 68.61.183.223 |
... that guy is cancer to this region as much as the clownsil is.... | ||
Mikeg Member Username: Mikeg Post Number: 35 Registered: 12-2005 Posted From: 69.136.155.244 |
Getting a new mass transit system built is one thing, operating it successfully is quite another. Given the track record of our current bus systems, I wouldn't want to see one dime of Federal, State or local tax dollars spent until there is evidence that that it would be operated for the benefit of the commuters instead of the managers, contractors and employees of the transit system. Immediate reorganization of the two existing bus systems into one that is convenient, reliable, clean and safe would go a long way towards building local (and outstate) public support for mass transit in SE Michigan. | ||
Fishtoes2000 Member Username: Fishtoes2000 Post Number: 88 Registered: 06-2005 Posted From: 69.14.26.135 |
From an operating or customer perspective, is there a benefit to Detroit having its own bus service? (Or should I start a new thread?) | ||
Bob Member Username: Bob Post Number: 883 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 64.12.116.204 |
Can you imagine if DeVos is elected governor how Metro Detroit will be treated, this transit bill is only the tip of the iceberg. | ||
Danindc Member Username: Danindc Post Number: 1375 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 67.100.158.10 |
Okay, what if DeVos is elected? He's a successful businessman, right? It doesn't take a lot of acumen to realize that Michigan's economy is headed right down the crapper. The old ways of doing things just don't work anymore. If anything, I think DeVos might be better suited to increase spending on transit, and finally get something up and running in Detroit, if not a statewide rail system. Granholm has been hindered by idiot Republicans like Craig DeRoche, and it doesn't help that her main argument for improving cities is to make them "cool". DeVos, I think, would be able to establish a business-case, and explain to members of his own party how investments in transit would improve Michigan's economic competitiveness, as they have in other states. Just my $.02. | ||
Jsmyers Member Username: Jsmyers Post Number: 1514 Registered: 12-2003 Posted From: 209.131.7.68 |
Thats what you might think Dan. But unfortunately many Michigan Republican's (not all) are more concerned about certain types of economic profit, and idealogical purity (in their eyes) than they are concerned with real improvements in the state's economy. For example: The desire to repeal the SBT without a replacement revenue source when the size of our state government is in line with reality. In this case, the ideology is that taxes are bad. In the transit case, the ideology is that government shouldn't be involved in the service, especially Detroit government. Roads still pay for themselves in many polotician's eyes. However, I'm confident that this attitude is turning the corner. | ||
Bob Member Username: Bob Post Number: 884 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 64.12.116.204 |
And the fact that DeVos is an egangelical Christian, and has shown this through his major funding of pro-school voucher fight, being a MAJOR contributor to the Republican party worries me that he will be more concerned of being right than what the people want (ala George W.). He is definitely a spoiled rich kid that is out of touch with reality. |
