Time for light rail to Mat-Su

To the editor:

According to an article in the Frontiersman posted on March 2, 2013 by Greg Johnson, “Moki Tew, ... who started Valley Mover, said he calculated an average vehicle would burn about $10,000 in gas driving daily to and from Anchorage five days a week. Subtract the $120 a month (that) it costs for an unlimited Valley Mover pass, and the savings is still more than $8,500,” he said. He also said that he envisions light rail, in the future, to be included in his service. I congratulate Mr. Moki Tew for such a wonderful nonprofit service!

While driving to Anchorage from Willow in the afternoon, I am blinded by a river of endless vehicle headlights (every 10th with brights on) all the way. What a waste of gas, time, and wear and tear on all those vehicles! Tew’s calculation of savings does not include mechanical repairs to all those vehicles.

Most importantly, what a needless risk to life on highways that do not meet interstate standards often in horrible sub-Arctic weather conditions. Compared to the rest of the civilized world, we remain in a primitive and backward state. This is dangerous for our people, and it is unhealthy for our environment. Finally, it is not conducive to commercial development in the Mat-Su Borough. So, we are losing out on the increased tax base and other social benefits that such commercial development would bring.

All this can be prevented if more people supported and used mass transit so that more mass transit would be put into service, including light rail, as Mr. Moki Tew envisions. Alaska Railroad has self-propelled commuter rail cars that sit idle, except during tourist season to carry tourists. Two such rail cars could be bought and put into use for mass transit from Anchorage to Willow and two from Anchorage to Palmer. I think light rail service should be started by Alaska Railroad with these types of rail cars. It would help if people would write letters asking their local representatives, mayor and Alaska Railroad to support light rail commuter service — and vow to use it and agree to pay for it.

Daniel N. Russell

Willow