[Principessa_libertas]

"Electrically powered mass transit systems help alleviate our dependency on imported oil for transportation."

I disagree. People will not USE the mass transport system EVEN IN SPITE of the gas prices if it is not actually convenient for them. if the MagLev thing is going to 'help' get people off the road in L.A. there HAS to be another method of transport attached to it. If there is no additional shuttle service, or a connecting bus root it will be more of a headache than it is worth to use the train. The people I see most inclined to use it are those that would or possibly already have alternatively fueled vehicles ANYWAY.
As it is there is the fact that the cost for the long term parking and security personnel required to man the facilities - both trains and parking - will add to the cost of the ticket. IF the cost winds-up being about equivalent to the price for gas, and driving remains easier for people to actually get to their intended destination, then the majority of people will just not use it.

[dalereed]

No one has ever built a public transportation system in this country that doesn't have to be subsidized by the taxpayers.

Eliminate all public transportation!

[Willie Green]

if the MagLev thing is going to 'help' get people off the road in L.A. there HAS to be another method of transport attached to it.

Doh.

The Maglev stations aren't going to be sitting out in a cornfield by themselves. They'll most likely be located at destinations where transfer to other modes of transportation is easily accessible: airports, buses, rental cars, local light-rail, cabs, etc. etc. Yes, and plenty of parking as well.

Many people will find it more convenient on a daily basis, others will ride only occasionally (or perhaps never at all). But people WILL use it and it WILL reduce our dependence on imported oil.