Light Rail News, 21 Jul 2004

Metro stands by northside light rail (Houston Chronicle) - Metro's president reassured a group of northside community advocates Tuesday that the transit authority is proceeding with plans to break ground on schedule for a light rail extension into their neighborhoods. Frank Wilson, who assumed office two months ago, told about 30 North Corridor Coalition members that the Metropolitan Transit Authority's voter-approved expansion plan remains intact despite comments from several new board members suggesting that preferred alignments need to be re-examined.

Light rail readies for airport landings (Minneapolis StarTribune) - Next stop on the Hiawatha light-rail line: Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. By the looks of things, when service gets there in December, the airport will be ready.

Cleaver promises to push for light rail (Kansas City Star) - If elected to Congress, Emanuel Cleaver said Tuesday, he will work to bring light rail to Kansas City. “Light rail is going to be one of the issues that I will spend a considerable amount of time pushing,” he told the editorial board of The Kansas City Star. Cleaver, a former Kansas City mayor, is running for the 5th District seat held by Rep. Karen McCarthy, who is retiring.

New Spokane Light Rail Options (KXLY-TV, Spokane) - The Spokane Transit Authority is coming out with some new, lower cost options for the light rail project in Spokane County.

Fare Inspectors Start Work On Light Rail Line (WBAL-TV, Baltimore) - The MTA has hired 10 inspectors to patrol trains to seek proof that passengers have paid the full fare. Those who ride without paying will now face a penalty.