A Desire Named Streetcar?

By Mark Forsythe The Kansas City Post The prevailing winds indicate that the voter approved light rail plan will not be implemented in its current form. In fact, most parts of the plan may not, and should not be implemented at all. The plan is too ambitious, and frankly too short-sighted. I am confident the public did not vote for gondolas or electric buses. They voted for light rail, and that's what they should have. The Kansas City Urban Society has presented preliminary plans for an alternative rail plan. While far less expansive than the voter-approved plan, it has the potential of doing something the current plan cannot; start laying track in less than five years. By scaling back to a very small starter line, the KCUS argues that we can forgo the federal funding process of studies, applications, more studies, waiting, perhaps another study, consultants, more applications and finally a potential denial of funds in seven to ten years leaving us without rail, and financially poorer in the process. I was unable to attend the Urban Society's forum where they took public input on their plan. I did however, have the luxury of one of the KCUS board members giving me the highlights of the event over lunch. The consensus from that event is any alternate plan presented to the voters must cross the Missouri River in its first phase. Over the next few days I'll be throwing my own opinions out there regarding the Urban Society's proposal. In advance I'll say I am in agreement in principle with the KCUS. I like the concept, although it only exists in broad sketch strokes. For now, I think it's fair to use this venue as a forum of public opinion. What say you, gentle readers? Any initial thoughts?