Embrace light rail: This long-term project will have immediate bene_¶ ts

Local communities should work together to fund a Triangle-area light rail system.

Light rail improves the Triangle's public transit system which would ensure the region's long-term competitiveness.

Light rail also operates on electricity which is cleaner and less affected by future fluctuations in the price of petroleum.

One possible proposal for funding the project suggests a 0.5 percent sales tax increase in Orange and Durham counties and a 0.25 percent increase in Chatham County.

Although this particular tax hike may affect lower-income residents more funding a light rail system connecting Chapel Hill Durham and the Research Triangle Park would be highly beneficial to all in the long term however it is funded.

While the project would not be complete until at least 2023 studies show that an announced proposal can have immediate economic benefits.

A study of the economic impact of light rail in Portland Ore. found that following the approval of light rail property values increased as much as 70 percent along the proposed route and encouraged positive development along the route.

Charlotte experienced similar spikes in housing prices after announcing its light rail proposal in 1998.

According to the Charlotte Area Transit System" ""Property values in the South End Historic District area of the line increased 89 percent between 2001 and 2004"" from $233 million to $442 million.""

In light of the current economic situation and its heavy toll on property values" going ahead with a light rail proposal now stands to be an immediate boon to the Triangle region.

It would be a productive step in making public transit more attractive conserving energy and ensuring the long-term competitiveness of the Triangle region.