ruminations about architecture and design

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

rail transit

This is a rendering of the proposed rail transit line in Honolulu, Hawaii. I have never been to Hawaii, and I have no sense of urgency to visit the place. I know a little bit about the transit project and in my opinion, it's a good idea. Honolulu highways are incredibly congested and although we might look forward to a future state where automated cars move more people more efficiently and safely, the present need is considerable.

The main objection to the rail line is cost. This line of argument does not impress me, because even though the constructed price tag for the project is over $5 billion, the rail line will serve a great many commuters. The Honolulu metro region has a clearly pronounced linear geography that is well suited to the use of a rail system like this one.

All improvements to human life cost money. It is the process making improvements that creates wealth and not spending money is a sign of poverty. If the U.S. government had spent a little bit more money on a thing called RADAR in 1940 the attack on Pearl Harbor might have turned out differently than it did.
$5 billion buys approximately 2 Stealth Bombers.

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