Houston's downtown (pictured) rail service has been expanded by five new routes amid great controversy. The city council passed the expansion by a wide margin, 13-2, with notable public comment arguing against the rail line. The metro transit authority has set an ambitious deadline, aiming to finish the lines by 2012 and targeting next month to break ground.

Residents in affected neighborhoods argue that it will change the character of the neighborhood and restrict traffic. An overlooked fact: changing the neighborhood is the whole idea. “Not-in-my-backyard" arguments often surface against proposed public transit projects due to fears of noise, construction, change and increased density. Yet, change is imminent anyway, whether these projects are approved or not. These choices need to be reframed as choosing between how bad things will get, or the relief that could be offered by change. Nothing is static, but opposition to mass transit frequently stems from  groups that hold the mistaken idea that things can stay the same.

In the end, gas price concerns beat out other issues, even in the Houston, historically an oil-town. As Councilman Peter Brown quipped, "I'll say it loud and clear: No longer is the city of Houston waffling on rail. With gas headed to $8 a gallon and oil to $200 a barrel, we have to rethink Houston as the happy motoring paradise."