‘Cbus’ is big enough for rail system

In apprehension of a cluster of traffic on IKEA Way, I submit to my fellow Buckeyes that it’s time to grow up. The little city we all know and love, that we affectionately call Cowtown or Cbus, isn’t so little anymore.

Columbus itself is one of the largest cities in the country. Adjusted for trip length, Columbus has some of the worst traffic in the country. We’re one of the youngest cities in the country, and allegedly we’re a Smart City after winning a massive grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation and securing local and national partners. But we’re still acting like a small- time, dumb city.

We are spending millions of dollars subsidizing highway expansion to temporarily alleviate traffic. This car- centric nonsense — which is a leading cause of death for our teenagers, costs each household thousands of dollars per year and pollutes our environment — needs to stop.

Columbus needs a rail system. Period. I don’t care what one says about the cost, the benefits, or the justification, one would be arguing against the city’s best interest. It’s far past the time to deliberate this issue. It works everywhere in the world. It will work in Columbus.

How long before a “short” commute of 17 miles in a half- hour turns into 45 minutes, or one hour each way? Where is the quality of life when one has to drive 20 minutes in traffic to get to a neighborhood park, or drive 45 minutes to have a nice lunch in the Short North?

We need a rail system, going from German Village, straight up High Street all the way to Worthington, to Polaris Mall, to Westerville, Easton, to the airport, and back downtown with plenty of stops along the way, especially in poorer areas that lack access to cars and public transportation.

Eric May Columbus