Quote:
Originally Posted by Trae
There is also the "light-rail bias". One of the reasons why Metro in Houston decided to turn the BRT lines back to LRT.
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this is for real.
might this "light-rail bias" erode with high gas prices?
i think the fact that people had decent economic alternatives (their own car) made the decision against riding a bus easier in the past. rail (being cleaner, quieter, and more upmarket friendly) could win the battle against the car a little easier, since the reputation hit for Joe Officeworker showing up to work via the train is a little more socially acceptable than if he had hopped off a bus.
as more and more people graduate in their thinking, i have to hope that some will come over to the (rapid) mass transit side, whether it be on rubber tires or on rails.
(personal example: my white 27-year old pregnant wife rides the bus in san antonio and consistently gets surprised looks from coworkers, relatives, and friends alike. while many think she's "crazy" or
"unsafe", many more looked into the possibilities for themselves and a few have actually started riding. her decision gave them social permission to ride as well.)