Thanks for the update, Christian, as I was thinking the same with with the upcoming administration. Glad to hear your thoughts and let's hope the community is heard (and that we do our part to do that) so the Rio Grande Plan can become a reality!
Conservatives can be urbanists too! The Rio Grande Plan and public transit should be seen as a bipartisan issue because effective transportation infrastructure benefits everyone, regardless of political affiliation. While conservatives have historically been perceived as opposing public transit, today there is no clear consensus on this stance. Many conservatives, including myself, recognize the value that transit brings in terms of economic development, reduced congestion, and improved quality of life for all citizens. Transportation connects communities, creates jobs, and supports businesses by making it easier for workers and customers to move efficiently. Investing in transit isn’t about expanding government; it’s about investing in the future and ensuring our cities remain competitive and livable. Conservative values like fiscal responsibility and economic efficiency can align with transit development, as high-quality infrastructure ultimately leads to reduced transportation costs, less road maintenance, and greater returns on investment through increased property values and economic growth. While past political divisions may have put transit on opposing sides of the aisle, it's clear that modern realities-such as urbanization, environmental sustainability, and economic competitiveness-make it an issue that transcends partisanship. The Rio Grande Plan is a prime opportunity for both sides to come together and champion solutions that serve the broader public good, creating lasting benefits for everyone.
If Trump hears about this project, he would be for it. This plan makes SLC and Utah great, and that makes America great. Ever heard of the Trump Train? I highly doubt he'd be against it. The Republican party of old is just that. Old. There's a new Sheriff in town.
The rio grande plan actually seems like something that Trump would go for. It could easily be taken on as a vanity project. We just won’t tell him the numerous environmental benefits and just focus on the HuGe development opportunity
I'm getting a different vibe about this second Trump term. I think he's focused now on having a lasting legacy. Just look at his reported conversation with Kathy Hochul about making Penn Station and the NYC Subway "beautiful" again. Utah voted redder than any other state, it might not be unreasonable to expect some kind of reward. Maybe I'm too full of hopium but I think this project's not dead yet.
Thanks for the update, Christian, as I was thinking the same with with the upcoming administration. Glad to hear your thoughts and let's hope the community is heard (and that we do our part to do that) so the Rio Grande Plan can become a reality!
That's really snteresting project, I hope it will succeed
It's probably going to be a rough time for Amtrak Long Distance trains, but I agree most transit projects are not in jeopardy because of this
well said
Thank you for the update and the clarification.
"Reports of the RIo Grande plans, death, has been greatly exaggerated" is a great line! 👍
@P0w2you Yeah, someone should Mark that down... twice! Twain, even! 😁
Will having the Olympics 2034 around the corner, will that help??
@DavidJackson-fs8bp Potentially.
We need to get the Olympics committee on our side. And never fear, we've already got a good start at that!
Conservatives can be urbanists too! The Rio Grande Plan and public transit should be seen as a bipartisan issue because effective transportation infrastructure benefits everyone, regardless of political affiliation. While conservatives have historically been perceived as opposing public transit, today there is no clear consensus on this stance. Many conservatives, including myself, recognize the value that transit brings in terms of economic development, reduced congestion, and improved quality of life for all citizens.
Transportation connects communities, creates jobs, and supports businesses by making it easier for workers and customers to move efficiently. Investing in transit isn’t about expanding government; it’s about investing in the future and ensuring our cities remain competitive and livable. Conservative values like fiscal responsibility and economic efficiency can align with transit development, as high-quality infrastructure ultimately leads to reduced transportation costs, less road maintenance, and greater returns on investment through increased property values and economic growth.
While past political divisions may have put transit on opposing sides of the aisle, it's clear that modern realities-such as urbanization, environmental sustainability, and economic competitiveness-make it an issue that transcends partisanship. The Rio Grande Plan is a prime opportunity for both sides to come together and champion solutions that serve the broader public good, creating lasting benefits for everyone.
If Trump hears about this project, he would be for it. This plan makes SLC and Utah great, and that makes America great. Ever heard of the Trump Train? I highly doubt he'd be against it. The Republican party of old is just that. Old. There's a new Sheriff in town.
The rio grande plan actually seems like something that Trump would go for. It could easily be taken on as a vanity project. We just won’t tell him the numerous environmental benefits and just focus on the HuGe development opportunity
Time to start writing to him about it! 😂
I'm getting a different vibe about this second Trump term. I think he's focused now on having a lasting legacy. Just look at his reported conversation with Kathy Hochul about making Penn Station and the NYC Subway "beautiful" again.
Utah voted redder than any other state, it might not be unreasonable to expect some kind of reward. Maybe I'm too full of hopium but I think this project's not dead yet.