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Mr. Zelenka said his point was that Eugene was just too small to have a light rail system, but right-of-way <br />acquisition for BRT could set the stage for light rail 20 to 30 years in the future when the population was <br />large enough to support a rail system. <br /> <br />Mr. Gaydos emphasized that LTD's goal was to create a successful system for the community, whether it <br />was BRT, light rail or some other future option. He said the LTD Board had exhibited great leadership in <br />responding to the community's need for transportation options. <br /> <br />Mr. Evans pointed out that large cities such as Cleveland, Dallas and Tampa were adding BRT to their light <br />rail systems, demonstrating that a combination of different transit modes could work well together. He said <br />that BRT made the best sense for the Eugene/Springfield area at the present. <br /> <br />Mr. Dubick commented that one of the purposes of the LTD Board and the council's decisions was to <br />alleviate congestion and minimize carbon emissions associated with growth. He said it was better to plan <br />for than react to growth and find a way to get more cars off the road in a way that was environmentally <br />sensitive. <br /> <br />Mr. Eyster was appreciative o Mr. Pryor's endorsement. He said it was important to the Board to know that <br />the council was supportive because LTD was not interested in trying to impose something on the commu- <br />nity. He hoped the council would endorse a direction to assure the partnership between the City and LTD in <br />planning for the future. <br /> <br />Mr. Zelenka asked staff to provide population statistics on cities with light rail systems. <br /> <br />Ms. Solomon emphasized with respect to the EmX extension that doing nothing in West Eugene was not an <br />option. <br /> <br />Mr. Clark said he would be watching with great interest as plans developed. <br /> <br />Ms. Bettman thought it was premature to ask for the council's support until more information was available. <br /> <br />Mr. Poling stated he was supportive of LTD's efforts and the process at this point. <br /> <br />Ms. Ortiz concurred with Mr. Poling's remarks. <br /> <br />Ms. Piercy thanked the LTD Board and staff for participating in the joint meeting. She hoped that would <br />occur on a regular basis. She noted that many communities around the country viewed EmX as a pilot <br />program as it was an interesting innovation that combined BRT with the feel of a light rail system. She said <br />that if it was successful, it would be replicated in other communities. <br /> <br />The meeting adjourned at 7:20 p.m. <br /> <br /> <br />Respectfully submitted, <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />MINUTES—Eugene City Council November 26, 2007 Page 7 <br /> Work Session <br /> <br />