Friday, January 09, 2009
SUPERTRAINS
While it's true that there aren't necessarily an infinite number of shovel ready sexy mass transit projects that can be rolled out instantly, there are still plenty of places where dollars can be spent fast. First, and the least sexy, are maintenance projects which are needed but endlessly deferred by cash-strapped transit agencies. Things like "station refurbishment" aren't exciting, but they are needed. Second, even if you can't fund full-scale projects, you can fund planning. Engineers and transport economists need jobs too! Third, orders can be put in for needed train cars and buses.