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Advocates in Charlotte and the Triangle for expensive light-rail transit projects like to argue that one reason to build transit is that it helps low-income individuals. Unfortunately, data released by the DC Metro system shows its more of a subsidy for the upper-middle classes (as we have pointed out many times before.)
According to the Washington Examiner, the median income of DC Metrorail riders is $102,110. And at least 80 percent have a college degree.
Conversely, Metrobus riders are less affluent (median income $69,000) and are less likely to own a car.
So if these transit planners in Raleigh were serious about helping low-income individuals and families with transportation needs, they'd be expanding bus service, building Bus Rapid Transit and HOT lanes, not building light-rail for the rich and paying for it on the backs of the poor through a 1/2 cent sales tax increase.
