The Bay Area has a powerhouse economy anchored in technology's future. We protect the environment and possess more public transit than many North American regions.
And yet, you still need a car to get around. And if you want to use transit, it's an uncoordinated, connection-heavy mess. So why are we spending billions of dollars on California High Speed Rail, when the local needs are so great?
The needs are clear:
In the South Bay, light-rail lacks ridership. In Wine Country, it will be years before you'll connect from SMART Train to its planned terminus at Marin's Larkspur Ferry.
And in the East Bay? The A's will still be in Oakland -- though not in transit-friendly downtown -- before BART links to San Jose. Meanwhile, you'll transfer at Pittsburg to travel beyond BART's terminal there.