ATTACK BY CHARLATANS

Rail transit has found its enemies in the zealous advocates of buses and automobiles. The proponents of these two modes of transportation claim that the construction of rail transit is too costly and time consuming. They set out to prove the efficiency of buses over rail transit but since the fuel consumed by buses and cars is in short supply, it seems likely that a transit system dependent upon central station generation of power is more likely to win out. Bus transportation is labor intensive, and rail transit is capital intensive, a fact which has been used to promote bus transit. However, where a great volume of riders exists, capital intensive systems are more of an economic advantage. Other factors besides cost must also be considered in choosing the most suitable transit system. Supporters of bus and auto transportation insist that rail transit will be unable to attract riders, but facts have shown otherwise: BART has attracted thousands of riders and has reduced automobile use. It is not too soon to start building transit systems that will alleviate the problems of the 1980's. Costs will continue to rise, so long-term planning will prove to be the better solution in the long run. The utlimate solution is a carefully planned, community responsive mix of buses, cars, and rail transit systems.