Metrorail Update? (Austin, Cedar Park: daycare, school, live in)

[twange]

Originally Posted by verybadgnome

It still costs less than TxDOT spent on the Trans Texas Corridor ($131M) so at least its not the biggest waste of money in the state. Seriously though I can't imagine voters authorizing any type of expansion to me be managed by CapMetro in the foreseeable (~10 years) future. Still I don't understand how COA would be able to operate their own rail system. A collaboration with CapMetro perhaps?

It will be managed by the Transportation department:

Austin News: Developing Stories: A Long Route to Go - AustinChronicle.com

Unfortunately, Austinites seem to be getting the message that "rail here doesn't work" or is simply a boondoggle instead of "we need better, properly thought-out rail". Imagine how lame it will be if citizens here vote down another plan - assuming it just another bad, waste of money by CM - while Houston and Dallas keep on expanding their transit options, improving their cities and regions. Meanwhile Austin will continue to grow in every conceivable direction with the same under-linked roads and limited bus service, killing the golden goose for sure.

Totally weak.

[orbius]

Originally Posted by oldtoiletsmkgdflrpots

I hope they're up and running soon. It truly is a wonderful idea. My opinion.

Now that the rush 'hour' is about 6 hours a day in many parts of the city I laugh when people say that no one will ride it. At some point its going to be more a question if you can live that far out and work downtown and not ride it.

[AustinSpartan]

Originally Posted by twange

It will be managed by the Transportation department:

Austin News: Developing Stories: A Long Route to Go - AustinChronicle.com

Unfortunately, Austinites seem to be getting the message that "rail here doesn't work" or is simply a boondoggle instead of "we need better, properly thought-out rail". Imagine how lame it will be if citizens here vote down another plan - assuming it just another bad, waste of money by CM - while Houston and Dallas keep on expanding their transit options, improving their cities and regions. Meanwhile Austin will continue to grow in every conceivable direction with the same under-linked roads and limited bus service, killing the golden goose for sure.

Totally weak.

Lack of public transportation has done its number on the Metro Detroit area. Austin better look at building up a strong core before it's too late.

[calien]

I'm guessing Detroit has more problems than simply rail failure.

I don't see rail as ever paying for itself, so I am against it from that standpoint.

The commuter rail has been a cluster and as a stand alone product is a terrible concept.

[love roses]

Why doesn't Austin try to talk with the City Leaders of Houston and Dallas and find out what they did to get started?

[Pvt. Parts]

Could it be funds holding your rail back? Our "lite-rail" (as we call it) cost $71 million dollars a MILE. We have about 23 miles of service, going from north central Phoenix to south central Mesa, AZ. They had to stop adding more miles.....ran out of cash.

[jacksonian]

Originally Posted by calien

I don't see rail as ever paying for itself, so I am against it from that standpoint.

There are lots of government projects that never pay for themselves, but not every government project is designed to make a profit. Take a look at convention centers for example. They are known for not making money as an isolated entity, yet nearly every city with a population of at least 200k people has one - why? Because it attracts large groups of people who then spend money in other areas of the city, which helps not only the local economy but generates tax revenue and improves the character of the city.

Often times, issues regarding projects of this magnitude are never black and white.

[jacksonian]

Are there any plans/concepts of connecting Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio by rail?

*Upon searching, I found this:
http://www.neohouston.com/2009/09/te...il-the-routes/

[Austin97]

Originally Posted by calien

I'm guessing Detroit has more problems than simply rail failure.

I don't see rail as ever paying for itself, so I am against it from that standpoint.

The commuter rail has been a cluster and as a stand alone product is a terrible concept.

I used to believe as you do but then heard a reasonable argument from one of my smart liberal friends that changed my mind. No government services "pay for themselves". That is not what government services are about. For example, central park in NYC certainly does not pay for itself, so should the city sell it off to get the $$? Of course not because it increases quality of life. What fraction of the austin population use zilker? Not very many, yet for those who it is important it is very important.

Effective light rail attracts the creative class and for those people who will use it extensively it is a must have. The city invests in it to attract those people who add to the overall attraction of austin. A good pool of those people create value for austin in attracting companies to austin as well as starting their own companies. High tech and creative people are generally progressive and they want their city to have those amenities (outdoors, public transit, arts etc).

Light rail wont pay for itself directly, but like parks, homeless shelters etc, they are something the city invests in to improve the quality of life and drive towards a vision of austin as a progressive, creative city.


Other things are arts, parks, summer programs, public pools, , rec centers etc etc

[verybadgnome]

Even corporations don't design every product to make a profit, e.g. 'halo cars' like the Ford GT or 'green cars' like the original Honda Insight. The problem is how to quantify the benefits of light rail or a convention center but I suppose this is what consultants are for.