New Mexicans deserve a better transportation grid

Michael Levin’s letter (“Development, increased traffic bad for climate,” Aug. 29), in which he outlines the extent to which new development favors more cars on the road and little else, is a slam dunk. It sadly mirrors the development situation going on all over Rio Rancho and Albuquerque. These expensive new projects are designed to enable more cars to get through busy stretches, but virtually no infrastructure is being built for other transportation options. Many Americans are unaware that most developed nations have extensive transportation grids that provide diverse options for getting around.

Trains such as the Rail Runner Express are incredibly useful for those who wish to use public transportation or otherwise do not own a car. Having spent time in Europe, I saw that even most midsized cities had ample metro trains with frequent arrival times. Last I heard, the state of New Mexico has favorable budget circumstances. You would think some of those funds could be used to increase Rail Runner trips (in a COVID-19-safe manner, of course) and to work out development options that favor modes of transportation other than just more cars. It’s true most of us love to drive our vehicles, but it should be a given that a more comprehensive transportation grid is long overdue. In a time of great economic uncertainty, we owe it to low-income residents, and in a time of unprecedented climate change disaster, we certainly owe it to the environment. When we’re an oil state, one can’t help but ask why we’re not already planning for it.

Jeremiah “Trip” Wall Rio Rancho