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Opinion
The following is presented as part of The Columbian’s Opinion content, which offers a point of view in order to provoke thought and debate of civic issues. Opinions represent the viewpoint of the author. Unsigned editorials represent the consensus opinion of The Columbian’s editorial board, which operates independently of the news department.
News / Opinion / Letters to the Editor

Letter: Train provides convenient option

By Peter Kitchen, Vancouver
Published: December 1, 2019, 6:00am

A recent letter says extending light rail to Vancouver is a misnomer (“Take light rail off the table,” Our Readers’ Views, Nov. 14). How? The existing Yellow Line would be “extended” into Clark County.

We don’t have the population density to make it feasible? Have you seen the daily traffic commutes into Portland and the reverse in the evening?

A train to nowhere? No, a train to Vancouver, to transport commuters to their work destination. It then continues to downtown Portland, a popular commuter destination. We’re just changing the location where the Clark County residents get on. Those crossing the bridge to get on at the Expo Center will now do so in Vancouver.

It’s not a fast commute. But it’s not slower, and you no longer have to deal with traffic, put wear and tear on your car, or pay to park.

Light rail to Vancouver benefits us all. It will cut down on the number of cars on the road. Those without reliable transportation can now apply for Portland jobs, because they now have a way to get there. Those who don’t like it don’t have to use it, but why prevent others from having that option? Why deny more convenient commuting options to our neighbors?

We encourage readers to express their views about public issues. Letters to the editor are subject to editing for brevity and clarity. Limit letters to 200 words (100 words if endorsing or opposing a political candidate or ballot measure) and allow 30 days between submissions. Send Us a Letter

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