Letters to the Web Editor

With rumors that gas prices could top $5 per gallon this time next year, I believe the time to "seriously" beef up Smith County public transportation is near. I am by no means in poverty, nor am I rich. My annual household income, which includes my significant other, is $42,000. If gas were under $2 per gallon I could still go on my way with the comfort of my own vehicle. However, I'm now spending more per week on gasoline than I am on food, about $80 to $100 per week.

I ask all local leaders to put into action a plan to "seriously" beef up public transportation. The most obvious objective is to dramatically expand the bus line in Tyler. I cannot recall once observing a Tyler Transit bus passing my home off of Shiloh since I moved here in August. I have a feeling I am not alone in my desire to see public transit expanded in Tyler, and it's probably safe to assume there would be at least a 5 percent increase in use if the service was expanded properly, more than enough income to supplement the cost of expansion.

Another item to put on the list are public sidewalks. I'm aware there are several projects already underway to add sidewalks, so just a reminder -- keep building those sidewalks in Tyler until there's not one mud puddle to drag our feet in on the side of the road within the city limits.

Shawn Breaux
Tyler