Efficient rail transit
is really quite simple

As a longtime supporter of rail transit on Oahu, I feel that the obvious must be stated to set the record straight for those who simply do not understand rail transportation and how it could work here.

First, and most important, any kind of rail transit system that is not directly serviced by a standardized fleet of clean, efficient and affordable taxi and bus service is simply bound for failure. In other words, we must get rid of those huge, ugly and outdated gas-guzzling junker taxi cabs and replace them with a completely standardized fleet, complete with courteous and uniformed taxi drivers.

STAR-BULLETIN / 2004
Rush hour traffic crawls along at Beretania and Punchbowl streets. Rail is one solution to Honolulu's traffic woes.

For those who have never lived in a city with rail transportation, please allow me to explain how it would work here in Honolulu. As in other cities all over the world, a rail transit system works like this:

Step 1: In the morning we commuters make our way to the nearest bus stop, taxi stand or train station. Yes, folks, almost all of us on Oahu live within walking or biking distance of a bus stop. And yes, these bus stops and taxi stands must be equipped with bike racks for those who prefer to ride a bike rather than walk. Perhaps one may even choose to be dropped off at the bus stop, taxi stand or train station by car.

Step 2: From the bus stop or taxi stand we go directly to the nearest train station. Furthermore, as an added bonus, there are many shops and cafes at the stations where we get our morning coffee, read the newspaper, perhaps have breakfast with our friends and co-workers. We could even do a little early morning shopping before work. (Hmmm ... helping the local economy?)

Step 3: We board the train that takes us to the station nearest to our workplace, where we arrive on time, relaxed and ready for the day's work.

Step 4: Repeat the above, only in reverse. And here is where it gets really good: On your way home from work, stop in at the supermarket located inside the train station to pick up those items on the grocery list, and pick up the kids from the day care center, which is also located inside the train station.

It seems very simple, really. And, having lived in Japan for four years and travelling virtually all over Japan by rail, I can assure everyone that the above-mentioned daily transportation ritual works. It is the only viable way to get from here to there in the least amount of time and using the least amount of energy and resources. Countless millions of Japanese people do this daily transportation ritual every day, year after year. Furthermore, for the Japanese people, bicycles and walking are an essential part of everyday life, and just coincidentally, Japan has one of the healthiest populations on Earth.

I would gladly leave my car safe and secure at home until the weekend, when I just might take a drive around the island to my favorite beach. Imagine the gas money, parking fees and wear and tear on my vehicle that are saved by leaving my car at home all day.

Just one last point to make: To those residents in windward Oahu and other areas who do not support a tax increase to fund rail transportation under the rationale that it does not service them directly ... Hey, who do you think pays for your Likelike, H-3 and Pali Highways? We all do!

Michael J. Lauck lives in Honolulu.

Efficient rail transit is really quite simple

Efficient rail transit
is really quite simple