[RE: “Pros and Cons of Bay Link Debated at Beach Chamber of Commerce,” published in Beach and Metro editions, June 12.] 

Let’s take a real look at why alternate transportation is so sorely needed here on Miami Beach. Notice the traffic jam that forms on the MacArthur Causeway these days around rush hour? Think it’s going to get any better? Those South Pointe high-rises aren’t even half full yet! Or maybe you’re familiar with the ongoing traffic problem on Alton Road that spills over onto West Avenue? Or the tangled snarl our sidestreets have become? And what local goes anywhere near Washington Avenue or Ocean Drive these days? The word hasn’t been coined that describes that kind of congestion. So we really have no choice but to look at alternatives—unless everybody’s willing to switch to bicycles when this neighborhood turns into one gigantic parking lot.

I have taken public transportation since moving to South Beach in ‘95. And I’m here to tell you, anybody that says we have a functioning transit system is speaking from the comfort of his or her air-conditioned car. The bus fleet is a creaky joke, and time spent waiting for one in the sun is time spent fuming. Some will advocate new buses, and ‘dedicated’ lanes for them. But what gas-guzzling SUV isn’t going to sneak in to ‘get there’ even faster? Besides, nobody rides buses anywhere but the disenfranchised folks, which is hardly representative of our cultural diversity. But an up-to-date light rail system of easy and equal access that makes good time while cars sit idling pollution into the environment, now, that’s an alternative! Locals heading to Miami’s cultural venues or commuting downtown to work—or just getting around the neighborhood—eliminate the hassle of trying to find parking for themselves. This people’s system will offer locals, commuters, and visitors alike a cleaner, faster, cheaper alternate mode of transportation that’s a whole lot better than sitting in traffic.

Another benefit of the light rail system is how it improves the aesthetics of the neighborhood, partly by helping correct existing traffic problems through community planning. And, when the really big shows hit town (think Memorial Day, the Boat Show, some of the art exhibitions), wouldn’t it be a pleasure to take a streetcar to escape the mayhem? So let’s get out the vision thing, and build ourselves a cleaner alternative to the road hogging buses, burgeoning traffic, and perennial parking lot horror show of the Beach. Why not utilize the modern, progressive alternative of light rail? It’s about time. 

Jeffrey Bradley