[rstrahan]

It takes investment in opening businesses, creating job opportunities to turn around a loss of employment. All that has been done is to increase a tax load.

[King_Corey]

If you want economic stimulus, the only model that will work, is dumping Democrats, cutting taxes, eliminate income taxes, and remove regulations. I grew up in Minnesota, they won’t do it. Too many libtards, too few libertarians.

[miliantnutcase]

All of the businesses on University that were forcefully shutdown to make room for this waste.

[justrepublican]

If the train will get people to a job it needs to go to South Dakota.

[rellimpank]

—wonder if it’s named after Willie?

[GodAndCountryFirst]

Mass transit DESTROYS communities. But then, that’s kind of the point if ALL liberal action. I’ll never take a government train or bus.

[Nifster]

“Light rail” is and always will be a boondoggle created by governments and union workers to keep them employed. NOWHERE in the US can one point to a successful (that is profitable and well run) light rail system.

[niteowl77]

Officials at all levels of government are banking that Metro Transit's $957 million investment will do more than simply shuttle existing bus riders in fancier vehicles between the downtowns of St. Paul and Minneapolis when it debuts June 14.

"Officials at all levels of government" are fortunate to be in a position where they can "bank" on light rail without losing their own assets, unlike the private investors who lost money in the interurban boom of the early 20th Century.

The last time I was in downtown Minneapolis, the experience would not have induced me to take any form of public transport to downtown St. Paul. Developers are the same everywhere - they need a hook in order to make a bundle and walk away to the next fleecing - and each one has an official (or quasi-official) flack to deliver (with a straight face) something like, "It attracts residents back into the urban core*, offers developers a fixed amenity to build near* and ensures residents of all ages can be mobile and get to and from work, home, and school*."

And - dutifully - the Pioneer Press kneels down in front of such malarkey, straightens its collar and makes sure its hair is combed, then turns it around and sends it out to the readers.

Mr. niteowl77

*Hilariously similar to the talking points used for public/private collusion where I live, although Ms. Haigh loses points by not using the term "sustainability."

[DakotaGator]

They are counting on light rail to be a catalyst -- an economic game-changer for downtown St. Paul and much of University Avenue.

And they will be disappointed...at taxpayers expense!

[Socon-Econ]

CATO has published white papers explaining why light rail is a colossal waste of transportation money.

[minnesota_bound]

“Light rail” is a train to high taxes.