Whether it is time to wave goodbye to the Wave.
In case you hadn't heard of the Wave, it's a $195 million public transportation project for the FTL that's been in the works since 2004 (demonstrating just how slowly government gets things done) for which ground hasn't actually yet been broken. Now that there is new leadership after the most recent local election, there is talk to cancel those plans -- despite the years and years of development work -- because folks feel that it is outdated technology (overhead electric lines powering trains running on tracks embedded on existing busy streets) ... and that it doesn't go very far beyond downtown (although there are dreams to connect it to the airport or the area shared by local college campuses) ... and that it simply will cost too much money (perhaps much more than the budgeted amount, 'cause government not only works slowly -- it also works very expensively).
If it does get cancelled (it looks like there will be a vote in just two weeks), the consequence could be that the federal government (which is supplying some of the funds) would hold it against the area with regards to any future requests ('cause government not only works slowly and expensively -- it also holds a hell of a grudge) -- not to mention the three billion (yes, that's with a 'b') of development in the area allegedly because improvements were coming. Mind you even if it stays on track (I'll pause whilst you groan at the pun), it's not supposed to be functional until sometime in the early part of the next decade ... so whether I'll actually ever get a chance to ride the Wave depends on the way the vote goes AND if me and mine will still be SoFlo-based at that time.
In other words ... to be continued (maybe)?
THE HOME OF THE WAVE:
http://wavestreetcar.com/
UNLESS IT GETS CANCELLED:
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/broward/fort-lauderdale/fl-sb-wave-new-commission-20180319-story.html
AND IF IT DOES, THERE MAY BE CONSEQUENCES:
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/broward/fort-lauderdale/fl-sb-wave-streetcar-wasserman-schultz-20180329-story.html
