Politicians Love Transit…but they don’t ride it

There has been a great deal of talk recently about New Mexico’s supposed transportation funding “crisis.” Of course, only time will tell if our politicians do the right thing by canceling the Rail Runner or if they continue the train all the way to Santa Fe.
What is it about transit that draws politicians like moths to a flame? As Reason policy analyst Ted Balaker points out, when it comes to politicians, “transit’s primary use isn’t transportation but a backdrop for photo ops: Cut the ribbon, huddle around the others who fought for funding, smile and then jump back into your SUV.”
I wonder how many times Bill Richardson — when he is in New Mexico — or Mayor Chavez for that matter, rides the rails?