Time For Transit Renaissance In Detroit?

"This anniversary occurs at a new juncture for light rail. Of all the accolades that flowed following the staging of Super Bowl XL here, the one shortcoming almost universally recognized was the need for a comprehensive rapid transit system to serve southeast Michigan. Once at the forefront of steel-wheeled transit -- Detroit at one time could boast of having the largest municipally owned street railway system in the country -- this region now finds itself virtually alone among America's metropolitan areas, which are pushing ahead with new light rail programs designed to rein in sprawl, move people cleanly and efficiently, and spur economic development.

But Detroit's status as a modern light rail pariah could be changing. As reported in the accompanying article, an intense debate is under way in the state Legislature regarding transit funding. And local rail advocates are eager to mark the upcoming anniversary by drawing attention to a past they say holds lessons that deserve careful study as we attempt to map out our transit future."