Support a light rail line for Louisville K.y.

Dear Mr. Mayor,

I support the revitalization of our downtown, and the plan to really make Louisville recognized for what it is, a great American city. As an effort to do my part as a simple citizon and as an advocate who shares in your dream, I would like to propose that Louisville build a light rail system.


Of course there is the issue of cost. I know other projects are being built today that require funding. I also recognize Louisvillians are dependant upon vehicles, but please consider that our city public transportation has increased significantly enough to require more buses. In addition, at least thirty-one cities in the U.S. have commuter rail transportation projects in some stage of planning or development according to the January 2006 report from the American Transportation Association. Many of then are medium sized cities such as Nashville TN, Charlotte NC, and Austin TX. Congestion and pollution has been the key reason for much of these programs to be proposed.


As Louisville begins to get closer to the downtown we dream, it will require a means of transit that will move people in and out with efficiency that can be done with light rail. When the highways are congested, and the buses are jammed among cars on the rush hour roads, the rail-way can be immune. Downtown will thrive, but it will need to have an alternate transit system as downtown continues to grow, especially for our citizons who cannot drive.


A single light rail line that connects the airport with downtown can be the single best way to start a light rail system. Louisville won't have to over exert itself and still connect it's center and important sites at once. By connecting downtown with the airport we will be able to connect the fairgrounds, Six Flags, Uof L, and maybe even Churchill Downs. This will allow students to effectively use the system more rationally than even their own cars. UofL students will be able to enjoy downtown after school, then return to the campus within minutes in a safe manner (a good selling point to recruit students). Tourists will benifit greatly from this rail line. It would go by nearly everywhere that conventions are held, and hotels where people stay. There's even a use for those who commute downtown to work. These commuters can park their cars at the fairgrounds and ride the train into town and back, possibly avoiding congestion entirely.


Mr Mayor, I believe a light rail line will greatly benefit Louisville and serve to enhance the development of our great city. It will reinforce Louisville's appeal to youth, and offer a common sense solution in a future of moving our city's people.


Sincerely,

Glen Alan Garber