It's not that far-fetched of a comparison. It's something that adds to the city's skyline, it's quite visible, and the tram can be a fun activity for tourists. I've never had an issue with those who think it's a neat tourist trap.

The fact that it's portrayed as an effective method of public transportation is the laughable part.

the tram can be a fun activity for tourists

It's a sad statement that a trip to a hospital ward is the best we can show them.

Tourist attractions generally offer something to do when you get off the ride.

Purchase a full fare ticket on Portland's Scenic Tram, and get a free cholesterol check while you wait.

Families of four will receive free blood typing or body mass index.

Bring your family or class reunion (parties of 79 or more) and one lucky winner will get a free colonscopy or endoscopy (winner's choice).

I dont think was ever honestly intended as "public" transportation. It was only sold to the public as such to get public transportation dollars.

Doctors and nurses are members of the public, aren't they? Of course it's public transportation! :o)

Hey..head up the hill for a colonoscopy. Double your pleasure!

It's something that adds to the city's skyline, it's quite visible

no, it's not "quite visible"--that is, unless you're in a very specific part of downtown or next to the river.

and, the "city" consists of a lot more than the tiny fraction known as "downtown". in fact, most of Portland's population are nowhere near the "skyline".

Double your pleasure!

The City Council doesn't use anesthesia...

Sho is in the travel biz - maybe he can hype up usage!

Your Sam booster may well have a point.

After all, was it not the Roosevelt Island Tram that put Manhattan on the map?

That's got to be one of the dumbest comments I've read. I think a better comparison would be the Millenium Wheel in London. What a lovely sight that big carni' wheel is along the Thames, facing Parliament and all that great architecture. At least the Millenium Wheel was built for the Y2K celebration and paid for itself then.

I don't remember Forest Park or Waterfront Park and such being presented to the public and voted for with ridiculous budget assumptions, only to have City Council start blaming their staff for their own stupidity.

The Tram is a demonstration of absurdity. It's high cost and short trip to nowhere
make it the unimpressive "what's that thing" that it is.

The Planning Commission, Design Commission and City Council hearings all had PDOT, Planning, and Council member staffs testifying that the tram was NOT a tourist facility but "a transportation link vital (linch pin) to the success of SoWhat for 10,000 biotech jobs." Success hasn't happened, plus Sam now claims it's an Eiffel Tower equivalent. WOW. The sales job continues.