End of Road for Highway System?

* In your April 16 editorial, “A Train of Thought,” we learned that “Never has the presence of commuter rail, nor the commitment of local and regional transportation officials to make it happen, been more important.”

Metrolink has proved that there is room for something more than the automobile in Southern California’s transportation options.

Orange County is entering a highly exciting stage in our transportation future, a time in which we can choose a transportation system that is based upon the efficient movement of people and is practicable, cost-effective and environmentally sustainable.

Traditional transportation planning has been based upon the automobile and how we can increase the capacity of existing highway systems or build new roads through existing communities or through parks, open space and wilderness areas.

It is time to move beyond this form of transportation system, which is inefficient, environmentally destructive and financially bankrupt.

We need to plan and construct a multi-modal transit system that would build upon the success of Metrolink and will combine the best examples of bikeways, pedestrian, bus and light rail systems for the movement of people and for the health of our communities and the Earth.

BRIAN CHRISTOFFERSEN

Anaheim