If global warming is truly an environmental problem of the future, the river parishes are making a step in the right direction. More public transportation and less individual auto traffic will cut down on emissions that have been blamed for it in the earth’s atmosphere. Hearings are currently being held to determine what routes should be used to benefit travel in the three rural parishes of St. Charles, St. John and St. James. Some seven routes are expected to be used.
Undoubtedly, the perferred routes would be along Airline Highway, U. S. 90 and the two River Roads. They would be designed to accomodate up to 300 riders per day.
Since these are rural parishes, the system is not expected to pay for itself and the parishes will have to contribute to its financing. But the money and traffic congestion it could save would be well worth it.
Besides helping to cure our traffic problems, public transportation would be a big service to the poor and those who cannot drive.
And with the metropolitan area of New Orleans expanding up the river following the devastation of Katrina, its time has come.
Be the first to comment