Letter: Rail purchase promises good for all

EDITOR,
Residents of Scotts Valley and the San Lorenzo Valley should support the purchase of the Union Pacific rail line. Its purchase and subsequent development into a vastly improved public transportation system will enable better transit service in the outlying areas, including Scotts Valley and San Lorenzo Valley.
The rail purchase will be made using funds already set aside for this purpose, without utilizing any funds allocated to the Santa Cruz Metro bus system. Furthermore, a streetcar line on the UP right-of-way would make it possible to integrate streetcars with smaller, more efficient buses running more frequently on shorter lines. This can free up larger buses for more frequent service in the outlying areas. In turn, more frequent service will attract more fare-paying riders and encourage wider utilization of public transit in general.
That will be good for the environment, the economy and everyone else who does not have access to automobile transportation, plus those who would like an alternative.