Letter: Missing the train on mass transit

Friday, April 13, 2007 | 7:12 a.m.

I read with interest the Las Vegas Sun's April 7 editorial "Bullet train vs. budget deficit," and I, too, was awestruck by this technological development. I lived in Germany for 20 years and can attest to the efficiency and timeliness of train systems in many European countries.

Although many of these countries are land-deficient compared with the United States, they have perfected mass transit systems that are the envy of the world. The Inner-City Express in Germany and the TVG in France are delights that titillate the soul. The trolley cars in European cities are also as efficient as these high-speed marvels.

Newspaper accounts indicate that some U.S. cities will return to the trolley system to alleviate congestion. I often have queried political candidates about a light-rail system for Clark County, connecting bedroom communities with the inner-city, and I have received no good answers.

Recently, I read that the CAT bus system is being expanded to accommodate more riders and will use this concept to increase the mass transit footprint. It seems this would increase congestion in an already over populated highway system. How many times can U.S. 95 be expanded? A ground-level light-rail or trolley system is the answer!

We're overdue for politicians who are visionaries and environmentally focused. Too many vehicles are being funneled into downtown Las Vegas and the Strip. Drivers are frustrated and stressed for lack of a better plan to move masses of people.

Bruce E. McLeod Jr., Las Vegas