• Photo Credit: James Willamor

In WTF news: Why are state legislators all up in Charlotte's transportation business? Oh, right. Money. That's always the answer, isn't it?

Well, while our statesmen and women decide the immediate fate of our city's transit from a smaller city a few hours up the road, I'd like to point out that other "world class cities" have well-used mass transit programs. In fact, other "world class" countries have lots of transit, particularly trains.

You know what we have? Crappy air quality. One reason why is that we have to drive everywhere in pollution-spewing automobiles. I say "have to" because it's not safe to walk everywhere in this city, since the drivers often don't understand right-of-way laws and pretty much ignore crosswalks, speed limits or the need to crawl — not zip — through residential neighborhoods.

But, hey, who needs mass transit ... not a rapidly growing 'world class city.' Noooo.

From The Charlotte Observer:

The N.C. Senate would slam the brakes on Charlotte's long-planned northeast light rail extension, eliminating state money that officials say could jeopardize the entire project.

The Senate budget also would ban Charlotte transit officials from obligating state money for the proposed Red Line through northeast Mecklenburg.

And it would kill Gaston County's proposed Garden Parkway toll road, using money from that project for urban loop roads, perhaps including Interstate 485.