Riding the rails can change cities and lives

The renowned political economist’s vision — that the railroad would make California a global giant of business and trade — was so prescient, it was taught in schools well into the 20th century.

[...] the question is timely again for Californians, as Metro in Los Angeles County is opening two new light-rail connections — one through the San Gabriel Valley that was scheduled to start Saturday, the other through the Westside to Santa Monica on May 20.

That Southern California, of all places, is leading the way in building new rail links suggests we have entered a new era of transit.

How can San Diego best expand its trolleys, and Sacramento its light rail?

Can the Inland Empire, the 13th-largest metropolitan area in America, raise its transit game?

Unfortunately, as we consider the possibilities, Californians are asking the wrong questions — about what new rail lines might save us in traffic or car trips.

I live five blocks from the Metro Gold Line, which was to open its 11-mile extension through the San Gabriel Valley to Azusa this weekend.

[...] my office is in Santa Monica, seven blocks from the terminus of the Expo line extension that opens in May.

Riding the trains to work could take 90 minutes, but if the trains are on time, the commute will become more predictable.

Metro needs to make sure the trains are safe, reliable — and, most of all, fun.

What new communities, downtowns, businesses and, yes, ideas might emerge from the new collision of people and places on these trains?