MAINE SUNDAY TELEGRAM • June 18, 2023
Mass transit must be developed in Maine, or we will face the problems of traffic congestion, pollution and vehicular fatalities that come with expanding car infrastructure in growing metro areas. Plus, the well-studied phenomenon of “induced demand” means that no matter how many lanes we add to the highway or arterial road, traffic will always increase to meet and exceed road capacity. Expanding light rail and other transit options in Maine will increase the freedom of drivers, as us folks who prefer other forms of transportation will get off the road and onto a train or bike. ~ Ned Melanson, Portland