Bus Versus Rail

* Re “Valley Busway,” Letters to the Valley Edition, Jan 16.

Apparently Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky has never been to the San Fernando Valley and has very limited knowledge about light-rail transportation. Constructing the electrical facilities for a refurbished rail line, purchasing rail cars of the latest style and possibly constructing a few grade separations would cost more than simply purchasing buses and paving the right of way where the tracks sit today. But, in the long run, it would be much cheaper and would not produce pollution, which we have too much of already.

It’s common sense to use rail, with most of it already there. This stretch of rail could also be leased on a long-term arrangement, to an entrepreneur who has knowledge of rail operation.

This line of rail is ideal for development. Being fed customers from the soon-to-be-operating subway at North Hollywood, it passes Valley College, the Sepulveda Basin park, Pierce College, close to Topanga Plaza and numerous businesses along the way. It is all so simple. Let’s get on the ball.

BRUCE MONKMAN

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