Matthew’s Blog

The Como-Harriet Streetcar Line.
formerly part of a vast network of streetcars that ran from Stillwater to Excelsior on Lake Minnetonka and through out the Twin Cities.

We’ve replaced a highly effective, reliable, affordable transit system which was profitable, and in the 50s was the largest employer in the Twin Cities, and paid taxes. We’ve ripped up the tracks, we’ve spent umpteen $ billions on wider roads and freeways, destroyed neighborhoods, and now have to pay on average $6500/yr on personal transportation. Now we are fighting tooth and nail to rebuild rapid transit. What have we really gained compared to what we lost.

Hmm.

I took a ride on the restored line that runs between Linden Hills/Lake Harriet and Lake Calhoun. Its only a little over a mile, but worth the $2 fare to ride the rails in the city as opposed to some transportation museum out in the tundra. We’ve lost a magical way of life.

I for one plan to ride the rails of the new Hiawatha Line on the 29th of June for its Grand Opening. Anyone want to join me?