tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485581331425169493.post14469929687003363..comments2024-03-26T17:08:01.049-07:00Comments on Redmond Neighborhood Blog: LETTER: Citizen Petitions U.S. Transportation Board to Reconnect 'Redmond Spur' to National Rail System.Bob Yoderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17538345340147926309noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485581331425169493.post-237953997668356212010-11-16T14:01:49.251-08:002010-11-16T14:01:49.251-08:00Paul wrote: "@ John, I was under the understa...Paul wrote: "@ John, I was under the understanding that the Dinner train was shutdown after the demolition of the Wilberton tunnel and was profitable up to that point. as for the Rail lines, it appears to be much cheaper to move things by rail and this may be the only way to have commuter light rail to Redmond. If we kill this rail line then we may and most likely never will get it back." <br />--posted from Paul Welton's facebook comment.Paul Weltonnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485581331425169493.post-54403056672303079912010-11-16T12:38:50.599-08:002010-11-16T12:38:50.599-08:00Mr. Wilson has a right to his opinions. I'm no...Mr. Wilson has a right to his opinions. I'm not convinced by his arguments, however. "The potential economic and environmental benefit from this connection is nearly incalculable." Really? Incalculable? How about an estimate - or are you saying that you don't know how to calculate any benefits. Just keep in mind that there are incalculable benefits to replacing an obsolete, out-of-service rail line with biking and walking trails.<br /><br />This connection has been in the works for years with significant publicity in the local media. Hype, histrionics and accusations in the eleventh hour are no substitute for ongoing participation in a public process.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485581331425169493.post-63877871797290472292010-11-16T09:01:57.452-08:002010-11-16T09:01:57.452-08:00This is goofy. The spur is dead (as a rail right o...This is goofy. The spur is dead (as a rail right of way) due to economic forces which have killed the iron horse except between major population centers. Even the Dinner Train, which was the most popular use (albeit a tiny portion of the line) was not profitable and went out of business. Mr. Wilson's petition does not address economic feasibility of any on-going use as a railway and therefore is a non-starter. (I tried to comment on you blog, but it was not working.) John's comments were posted on Facebook.John Eliasonnoreply@blogger.com