Light Rail System in Huntsville?

[Huntsvegas29]

Just read this entire thread and despite some well thought out posts on both sides of the issue, the one thing that kept popping up in my head was the Simpsons monorail episode.

I'm all for forward thinking and infrastructure investment but I just don't see how the benefits of LR would outweigh the cost. IMO we should focus on improving the public transportation system that we have....which, to the best of my knowledge has been running in the red for quite a while now.

[vickersja]

I would love to see a rail system running between Nashville and Birmingham, with a stop in Huntsville. It would be great to connect these 3 cities, and give us an option for travel other than being held hostage by HSV's excessively high prices.

[AuburnAL]

Originally Posted by Huntsvegas29

Just read this entire thread and despite some well thought out posts on both sides of the issue, the one thing that kept popping up in my head was the Simpsons monorail episode.

I'm all for forward thinking and infrastructure investment but I just don't see how the benefits of LR would outweigh the cost. IMO we should focus on improving the public transportation system that we have....which, to the best of my knowledge has been running in the red for quite a while now.

I think we'd be best served trashing the bus system. Hardly anyone uses it, and why would you? You're still stuck in the same traffic as in a car, have no control on where you are going, get there slower than you would in a car, and it just causes more congestion if anything.

[Reactionary]

AuburnAL = "get there slower than you would in a car"

WVNN radio host Dale Jackson did a stunt once where he beat the bus by walking...

I still want a MagLev rail line to the beach.

[SarahBellum]

My elderly mother doesn't drive and would sometimes like to go to the store or the doctor at a time when I can't get away to take her. When the bus system was first in place, she was able to do those things. Unfortunately, the way the routes are now it takes her hours to make a simple round trip. The buses don't always stop where and when they are supposed to. She has to time her shopping so that she's out front when the bus is scheduled to stop. The worst part is that she lives about a mile from Kroger but the trip home takes at least an hour due to the way the route is set up so she can't buy frozen or refrigerated items. She lives in a complex for seniors and has many neighbors in the same boat.

I know there are others in a similar situation (trying to work but can't afford a car yet, etc.) and I really think it's sad that a city the size of ours can't offer some sort of real public registration. The routes in place are a mess and take so long to get people where they need to go. We're just going to see more and more congested roads since we don't have any real options for commuters except for driving.

I know this thread was about light rail and I'm a big fan of that. However, we have an immediate need and I can't help but think there's a way to improve what little public transportation we already have.

[unlblkrubi]

As a former driver for the city transit system I can tell you that drivers tell their supervisors what riders need and want but falls on deaf ears with the higher ups. And if you question their reason you're out the door. This is a typical city run organization that is just a good ole boy network.

[SarahBellum]

*registration should have been transportation. (using my phone...sorry)

unlblkrubi, that's so sad to hear. You were right on the frontlines and knew what was needed. It's a shame that no one would listen!

[denofhc]

Huntsville certainly needs an adequate bus system. I, too, would love to see light rail. Total dependence on the automobile is insane. Let's work together and make it happen. I know I'd sure use it.

[weaverra]

Originally Posted by denofhc

Huntsville certainly needs an adequate bus system. I, too, would love to see light rail. Total dependence on the automobile is insane. Let's work together and make it happen. I know I'd sure use it.

I wish they would just fix the roadway system in Madison. Our city isn't set up for a system like this. It would be nothing but a money hole that would have subsidized fares. I certainly wouldn't use it. It would cost more to operate than the revenue it would generate.