KC Light Rail

The Kansas City Star reports that local business leaders — historically opposed to every single light rail proposal in the past — are now experiencing a change of heart. While this most likely has everything to do with the potential dollar signs they're seeing related to private development along the line, it's still a step in the right direction. It could be a double-edged sword, however, if these leaders feel compelled to pressure the city into changing the approach for routing or technology. Most impressive are the words of Tom Hoenig, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City:

"People say light rail is a subsidy. But I watched the Grandview Triangle, and the amount of money spent redesigning it gives you a sense of the cost of maintaining a highway system as well. Light rail would relieve some of that and also provide cleaner air."

Elsewhere in today's Star, Teresa Williams rambles on excessively about light rail on the opinion page, finally leaving us with this nugget: "Woo us, tease us, make us want it." And no, we really didn't need another comparison between Clay Chastain and Don Quixote.