Jeffersoniowanews
has uncovered a scheme set up by former mayor
Todd Madsen which may bring literally
billions of dollars and new jobs to Jefferson. The plan is still going
forward, and if approved will be the biggest change to happen in
Jefferson since its inception.
At a cost of just over 6.7 billion dollars, a series of local subway routes is to be installed under the city, along with twenty stations for commuters. Most of this money will be in the form of a forgivable federal loan, and about 16 new jobs will be created in Jefferson.
*PROPOSED SUBWAY ROUTES*
Click on the above link to view the way Jefferson's new subway routes will be laid out. This should be extremely convenient for commuters, with over 93 miles of tunnels and 20 stations. Four separate trains will propel commuters throughout the city, and the twenty individual stations are all strategically located for maximum convenience.
The trains are currently expected to operate between 9:00AM and 4:00PM Monday through Friday, allowing operators and other employees evenings and weekends to be with their families, much like the retail stores in Jefferson operate. Season passes will be available at various rates, depending on the route(s) chosen. For example an orange/blue pass would cost about $14,300 for a year, while a green/red pass would be $12,500. The least expensive pass would be for a green only ride, which would be $600.
The passengers can also buy passes by the day, which allow you to ride unlimited all day long. If gas were to rise to over $150 per gallon, this subway will be quite tempting. Gas is currently selling in Jefferson for about $3.45 per gallon.
Due
to the prohibitive expense of buying brand new subway cars, the
city of Jefferson has purchased several hundred refurbished roller
coaster cars from Six Flags in South Carolina, which closed in 1988.
These units will be refitted and used on all trains.Walking will also be promoted with this plan, as most stations appear to be located in out-of -the-way or rural areas, and one must walk to the next station on the line. It is estimated that a commute from Southridge Drive to downtown will take somewhere in the neighborhood of 3-4 hours.
Rick Bland, city editor