AUSTIN | Transportation Updates

[Sean1187]

Originally Posted by nixcity

These people are nuts, meanwhile in Phoenix voters will decide on a 31.5 billion dollar transportation bond.....


http://www.azcentral.com/story/news/...ties/91225414/

Hello y'all! Long time lurker. I mainly go to the SA forum since I was born and raised there, but have always loved Austin. I've now lived in Phoenix since 2012 and thought I'd update you on this.

The $31.5 billion plan was actually a tax increase, not a bond. We did vote in August 2015 and it passed (54.75% yes, 45.25% no). Phoenix Prop 104 if you're interested.

[clubtokyo]

Are they doing landscaping of mopac on the side walls near the domain?

[drummer]

If they are, I sure hope they keep up with it. One of my least favorite things is cheap highway landscaping that never sees any maintenance after it's put in...

[drummer]

Are flying cars going to be available sooner rather than later?
http://kxan.com/2016/10/25/are-flyin...er-than-later/

So, this scares me a little. Seeing the way people drive gives me no peace about how they may fly, haha.

[lzppjb]

Originally Posted by drummer

Are flying cars going to be available sooner rather than later?
http://kxan.com/2016/10/25/are-flyin...er-than-later/

So, this scares me a little. Seeing the way people drive gives me no peace about how they may fly, haha.

And even if you stick to the ground, they will fall on your head. No one is safe.

[the Genral]

Originally Posted by drummer

Are flying cars going to be available sooner rather than later?
http://kxan.com/2016/10/25/are-flyin...er-than-later/

So, this scares me a little. Seeing the way people drive gives me no peace about how they may fly, haha.

That's pretty exciting. If and when these do become available to the masses, it could help boost 'Accidents' which is currently the #4 leading cause of death in the U.S. to #3, edging out 'Chronic lower respiratory disease'. If enough people can afford them, factoring In alcohol and texting, it might even edge out #2 'Cancer', good news for smokers who help make cancer the #2 leading cause of death in America. I doubt it will ever nudge 'Heart disease' from the #1 spot as long as bacon and places like MacDonalds is readily available, but no doubt they would be the #1 leading cause of death in countries like India. On the lighter side, we would see dramatic increases in possum and armadillo populations.

[Jdawgboy]

Originally Posted by clubtokyo

Are they doing landscaping of mopac on the side walls near the domain?

It better not be nothing but cactus and desert plants. The color they painted the walls and median barrier looks like something straight out of El Paso or Phoenix. It doesn't match with Austin's natural surroundings. The toll stretch north of Palmer is much better with the limestone tones.

[lzppjb]

From mopacexpress.com

For those driving on MoPac, there will be numerous trees and landscaping elements added along the side of the road. Also, where sound walls are being constructed, the walls will be textured and painted to fit in with the look and feel of the surrounding area. Many of the concrete structures, including the sound walls, will be painted.

[lzppjb]

http://mopacexpress.com/enhancements...vember2013.pdf

Landscape Enhancements: http://mopacexpress.com/enhancements...hancements.pdf

[drummer]

The bus, built by leading British bus manufacturer Alexander Dennis, will be used to see if double-decker buses are a feasible option on commuter heavy routes like Interstate 35, MoPac Expressway and U.S. 183. While the pilot program is only two weeks long, passengers will be able to ride the double-decker for free...

http://kxan.com/2016/10/27/the-briti...apmetro-fleet/


I've ridden double-decker buses in China, Hong Kong, Singapore, and other places (never in London, however). My city in China has four or five bus routes, at least, due to so many people (granted, different situation here). They're actually quite nice - and the front seats on the top generally offer fantastic views - a significantly less expensive driving tour of a city. Added capacity on certain lines could be a great help. I truly hope that more people get off their high horses and take buses rather than just complain about traffic...

[The ATX]

I kinda like what they do in India and Pakistan. Pile 300 people inside (and outside) of buses meant for 100 people. That's transportation cost effectiveness.

[lzppjb]

Originally Posted by The ATX

I kinda like what they do in India and Pakistan. Pile 300 people inside (and outside) of buses meant for 100 people. That's transportation cost effectiveness.

Great during flu season, too!

[The ATX]

Originally Posted by lzppjb

Great during flu season, too!

It's also great until a fender bender results in 250 deaths.

[the Genral]

I didn't see any mention of cost per bus. It does look pretty cool though. Guess I'll be double decker bus spotting. I'm glad these will be used on a functional route and not as a touristy thing like the old trolley busses that served mainly downtown. I do want to say that this thing does scream big city.

[LoneStarMike]

If this were a building instead of a bus, half of you would be complaining it wasn't tall enough.

"No! No! We need a signature bus!" Like this:



Source: pinterest.com

[drummer]

TxDOT plans to eliminate stop lights from Loop 360 main lanes

One big part of the plan calls for building a series of overpasses to eliminate stop lights on the main lanes of Loop 360. Another goal: adding a lane in each direction on the iconic Pennybacker Bridge.

http://kxan.com/2016/11/02/txdot-pla...60-main-lanes/

[KevinFromTexas]

I gotta say, I hate the idea of overpasses on 360.

Besides, I don't mind being stuck in traffic on it since the view is nice.

[The ATX]

I saw one of Cap Metros new double decker buses on a Riverside route today. They are pretty cool as far as buses go.

[lzppjb]

Originally Posted by KevinFromTexas

I gotta say, I hate the idea of overpasses on 360.

Besides, I don't mind being stuck in traffic on it since the view is nice.

The overpasses may be ugly, but something has to be done. It's probably the least expensive solution.

[drummer]

^ I agree with both thoughts. Ultimately, they should figure out how to do overpasses (or underpasses) while preserving the natural beauty of the area. It is a significantly beautiful spot in Austin, so it shouldn't be done halfway.