Our Connective Tissue

The Eastern Corridor Transit Study performed in 2006 suggested six different alternative transit systems for the Pittsburgh area.  While the Allegheny Valley Commuter Rail found the most support among those surveyed in the study, the most exciting of the proposed rails are the Mon Valley Light Rail, and the Spine Line Light Rail. The latter would connect Downtown to Oakland, Squirrel Hill, Regent Square, and Wilkinsburg (in addition to many others) via light rail.

Unfortunately, I know of no immediate plans to begin construction on any of this, with the exception of the ultra useless North Shore Connector, of course.

I’ll admit, as I have before, that our bus system is not bad.  But light rail, especially within the city proper, has the potential to really change the city’s dynamic.  Aside from the potential the rail has to create and foster business along its path, it connects us in a very real way that buses simply do not.  By creating a rail, we literally lay connective tissue through our neighborhoods.  Connecting to areas outside of our city is, of course, essential, but if we’re to attempt to keep people in the city, we need to rebuild that inner connective tissue.

Plus, who likes riding the bus?

If you have lots of free time, check out the full report, or at least Chapter 3.