I assume you're talking about college students, which make up 30K+ people in the city. Even when they move out, they'll be replaced by more people who's interests are similar, so I wouldn't discount all of their opinions. That said, even light rail is dumb expensive in the US and I think people get way too optimistic with imaginary transit maps. The busway would be easy routing for light rail, but it isn't where more transit is needed. Building a busway in the south hills would not be cheaper than maintaining the rail and rolling stock