Brian Blair began circulating a press release this week that made many bold claims about Hillsborough's countywide transportation plan--most of them without any factual evidence or grounding in reality. These are all claims we've heard before, but lets run through them again to be sure:
When it comes to light rail, it's the same old arguments: not enough people ride it, it won't reduce congestion, it's failed everywhere, and so on. We've heard it all before, but one thing hasn't changed: the FACTS! We've already shown how high-quality transit limits the number of cars on the road and reduces the amount residents choose to drive and last time we checked, systems that consistently blow ridership projections out of the water aren't typically referred to as failures.
The illusion that all transportation should pay for itself has come back again as well, and the assertion remains absurd. If Mr. Blair had done his homework, he would know that even highways are more heavily subsidized than transit. So why is Blair complaining that transit will (gasp!) receive subsidies? At least bus and rail recoup some money with rider fares. Perhaps he would like to make ALL roads toll-roads?
What about the economy? Every dollar we spend brings $4-$6 in private investment. The tax will attract billions of dollars in investment into our economy, contrary to Blair's claim that the tax will hurt the economy.
We did see one new claim here, that somehow finding a funding source for our transportation needs would cause tax hikes on property and gas. This is by far the most far-out claim we have heard yet, given that approving the referendum should prevent these increases, not cause them.
While we've enjoyed the opportunity to review our earlier rulings, we hope that residents aren't confused by this persistent misinformation.
Heroically Yours,
Mobility Mike and Commuter Carly
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