Buying Railroad Rights-of-Way

Three cheers for Santa Monica’s Mayor Dennis Zane! His commentary on reclaiming vital railroad rights-of-way (“A Rare Chance to Right a Wrong of Our Youth,” California Commentary, Feb. 5) should be required reading for anyone who thinks nothing can be done about congestion, noise, and overdevelopment in the Los Angeles area.

Light rail is the quietest, most efficient means of getting around in areas where space is scarce. Traffic through neighborhoods would decrease and the noise that usually accompanies it would drop.

To reactivate this right-of-way for transit would not only be a vindication for the Red Cars but a crucial link to our fledgling light-rail system. Just think of it: You could travel from downtown Los Angeles, or Long Beach, to the Coliseum, Sports Arena, USC, Santa Monica, etc., and not have to worry about parking! It would be a pleasure riding a smooth, quiet train instead of a noisy, bumpy, brake-squealing bus.

We could spend the rest of our lives blaming someone else for taking away our beloved streetcars. But it was our parents’ responsibility then as it is our duty now to make this place liveable through planning and executing an efficient transit system.

NICK SANTANGELO

Long Beach