AFS Cinema
All Systems Go Plan Won't Work
RECEIVED Wed., July 28, 2004
Dear Editor,
A new report from the city of Austin's staff to the city manager and City Council confirms my suspicion that those who thought they could make Capital Metro's All Systems Go plan slightly more efficient by pushing for an immediate extension to Congress Avenue and Seaholm were wishful thinkers.
According to the report, substantial obstacles exist to extending this commuter rail line toward Seaholm at all, much less in the initial segment.
More importantly, the city feels (as I do, after observing results from South Florida's commuter rail line) that requiring passengers to transfer to shuttle buses (or "circulators" as Capital Metro calls them) is going to be the kiss of death for the choice commuter. In other words, as soon as you make your rail passenger transfer to a bus at the work-end of their journey, most of those who had the choice to drive will go back to driving.
Capital Metro has picked this route not because it saves money or is more efficient, but because they believe it will score points with their nemeses at the state Legislature. While I sympathize with their difficulties, their responsibility is to the residents of the city of Austin who provide their tax base.
I supported light rail in 2000, and I urge everyone who seriously wants public transportation to expand beyond its current market of those who can't drive or have expensive parking to join with me in opposing Capital Metro's All Systems Go Plan in 2004.
A new report from the city of Austin's staff to the city manager and City Council confirms my suspicion that those who thought they could make Capital Metro's All Systems Go plan slightly more efficient by pushing for an immediate extension to Congress Avenue and Seaholm were wishful thinkers.
According to the report, substantial obstacles exist to extending this commuter rail line toward Seaholm at all, much less in the initial segment.
More importantly, the city feels (as I do, after observing results from South Florida's commuter rail line) that requiring passengers to transfer to shuttle buses (or "circulators" as Capital Metro calls them) is going to be the kiss of death for the choice commuter. In other words, as soon as you make your rail passenger transfer to a bus at the work-end of their journey, most of those who had the choice to drive will go back to driving.
Capital Metro has picked this route not because it saves money or is more efficient, but because they believe it will score points with their nemeses at the state Legislature. While I sympathize with their difficulties, their responsibility is to the residents of the city of Austin who provide their tax base.
I supported light rail in 2000, and I urge everyone who seriously wants public transportation to expand beyond its current market of those who can't drive or have expensive parking to join with me in opposing Capital Metro's All Systems Go Plan in 2004.
Mike Dahmus
