Infrastructure money

[Ibuer]

It seems like a lot of money is currently being spent by states to improve their transportation infrastructure, but it seems like very few cities are adding viable mass transit options like light rail and subways. Buses just don't cut it. If you have ever lived or visited DC or NYC you know that rails are just vastly superior to roads when implemented properly.

Any thoughts? Is any city larger than about 100,000 people too small for some form of rails? It seems like if a city is going to grow in future decades, the foundations for rails need to be laid now, no?

[jeepingeezer]

Rail transit starts at about $30M per mile to construct which should include right of way acquisition and utilities relocation, plus rolling stock (say $0.5M per self propelled car), plus maintenance facilities ($20M minimum). Seattle costs at about $180M/mile due to poor soils, seismic, traffic management, etc.