As Congress arranges the finances for this and the money for that, our country’s bridges, highways, and other infrastructure are deteriorating. Money to fill potholes, upgrade rail lines, and replace old bridges is struck off the books as tax cuts roll in and other funds march toward wars. What happens when all of our bridges collapse, when our roads are not passable, or when public transportation, still incipient in much of the country, is forgotten? We will all be in a lot of trouble. Unfortunately, it seems that action is only taken after a tragedy and even then, it is often too little, too late. Or in the case of the recent Amtrak collapse, Congress fights for the entire system rather than serving individual segments and the service as a whole.
Spending time in Europe, I have always been in awe of the transit system. I can go practically anywhere in cities like Paris and Madrid by Metro and be just a few steps from my destination. Trains run at high speed and efficiency in most countries and again take me within a few feet of where I want to go. Now I have not studied bridges or road conditions in much of Europe, but there seem to be crews in action almost everywhere I look. Even when funding is scarce, infrastructure service and its critical importance are appreciated.
I remember a long time ago when the San Francisco Bay Area started BART, the Bay Area Transit System. Market Street was a disaster for years while this huge project was being completed. Now it is a very useful service, however it still has huge gaps. If you need a crescent shaped bay loop, BART is ideal, however the western city of San Francisco is out, as is the subway under the Golden Gate Bridge and connecting service on the east bay. With millions of travelers, it seems that the full service, including the many airports, would be a must. But when the money runs out, it runs out. The dream lives on as people continue to drive one person by car on desperately crowded roads.
Infrastructure is essential to unite our nation. As I feel restless as I sit on blocked roads waiting for the pilot car to arrive and guide me, I also smile knowing that because of this delay, roads and bridges are safer and well maintained. Infrastructure is the framework for travel. It lays the foundation on which we depend. I realize that many in Congress fly instead of driving or taking public transportation, but it seems like their job is to take care of all of us, not just themselves. What you think?