“I am both dismayed and outraged that the Woodward Light Rail project has been canceled.
Mayor Bing has tossed away a $3 billion economic development opportunity that could have been the centerpiece of Detroit’s revitalization.
In looking at dozens of other cities as models, Woodward Light Rail could have brought in $2-3 billion in new economic development as rail stations attracted new lofts, condos, hotels, restaurants, shops, and other businesses. These new businesses could have produced $30-50 million a year in new tax revenue.
Yet because Detroit officials were unable to identify $10 million a year to fund Light Rail operations without taking from bus funding, our region is losing out on this essential revitalization opportunity.
It is worth noting that the rapid bus project that has been proposed is a good step and something that our region very much needs. Providing frequent reliable bus service along several major regional corridors will help many riders get where they need to go.
However, while rapid bus is a great transportation tool, it has not been shown to provide even a fraction of the economic development and urban revitalization that light rail provides. Buses cannot serve as many people as quickly as light rail can (especially on a corridor as busy as Woodward) and costs more on a per-passenger-mile basis than light rail does (once built).
TRU will actively watchdog the rapid bus proposal to ensure it provides the greatest benefit to the region as possible. As details emerge, we hope to be able to actively support and promote it.
While I am greatly saddened by the enormous opportunity lost this day, Detroit area transit can and must improve and TRU will continue to actively fight to make it happen.”
Source: Meg Owens / Transportation Riders United (TRU)
