In reply to Jim.

Ahh, well. Sounds like there isn't much you can do until someone steps forward.

Perhaps it will make you feel better to know that here in my area of the U.S.(southeast Wisconsin) we also suffer from a leadership vacuum. I see a lot of similar elements to the failure of the SPA project:

Our region has the potential to apply for, and receive, a large investment (for building a commuter rail line). The investment would improve quality of life and would benefit local businesses by drawing potential employers and employees from another state (Illinois).

However, in order to be eligible for the investment, the communities must make a sacrifice (by guaranteeing that the current bus systems have a stable source of funding).

Most business leaders in the region feel that it is important to provide a separate funding source for transit. But not one elected official is willing stick their neck out and advocate for the idea. Some elected officials say they support transit, but then do not demonstrate their support with their actions.

The result: the local bus systems will be slashed and the region cannot apply for the investment in commuter rail.