Blue Line Bottom Line

Valley residents should not be so quick to jump to the conclusion that the Blue Line running between Los Angeles and Long Beach is a success. Stories in the Los Angeles Times are premature and provide an incomplete picture.

While the Blue line carries about 18,000 commuters each day, one cannot conclude that this makes it a “winner.” For example, what has been the effect on total ridership in the corridor? Are the 18,000 daily users new transit riders, or merely those who have changed from the bus to the train?

In many cities, including Cleveland, Miami and Pittsburgh, total transit ridership fell after rail systems were installed, because rail is expensive to operate and draws money from the bus lines. Since trains do not go where buses do, some people simply abandoned public transit and reverted to automobiles. Until you know what has happened to bus and car-pool ridership, it is too soon to assess the real impact of the Blue Line.

This assessment should also include the cost. Light-rail systems cost an average of $3.40 per passenger mile, while city buses cost only 35 cents per mile. The public is paying a high price to move these 18,000 passengers.

Rail has been a financial failure across the country, so don’t break out the champagne quite yet and let’s not be hasty in supporting rail in the Valley.

An elevated train down the Ventura Freeway would be an environmental disaster to all residents who live near it.

GERALD A. SILVER, Encino. Silver is president of Homeowners of Encino .