My Very Own Monorail.

• Author: Butler, Hugh A.
• Position: Letters - Letter to the Editor

Peter Bagge's comic description of Seattle's transit conundrum ("My Very Own Monorail," March) was at once sad, funny, and painfully accurate.

Describing Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) systems as "taxis on monorail tracks" gets to the heart of the matter in a hurry. While overhead, monorail-style, is the preferred route, it's certainly not the only one. Given their light weight and quiet operation, PRT vehicles could pass through apartment buildings, malls, and office buildings.

Also, eminent domain need not apply to PRT projects. Existing road and utility rights of way should suffice for the guideways. Malls, apartment complexes, and office buildings will be attracted to sponsor stations and should therefore pay for them and the connection costs, though I am sure the route choices will be subject to the usual...