Light-rail projects in California, Florida and elsewhere have consistently run millions of dollars over budget.
Even politicians are reluctant to assume the burden of building a system which cannot adjust its costs based on ridership. So far, financial backing for the Columbia River Crossing has been spread between state and federal government. Now U.S. Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler, D-Camas, calls for a vote on a sales tax increase in the C-Tran district.
The people who benefit from the service should also bear its costs — I support localizing the costs of the project, but it should be taken even further. Instead of charging voters for the promise of a clean, shiny ride to Portland, why don’t we charge riders the fair price of their ticket?
Better yet — sell the permits to someone willing to assume the risk of the project. No takers? Maybe a Portland-Vancouver light rail just isn’t worth such a huge cost.
