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Originally Posted by alexjon
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to be fair, the VIA numbers are only for WSMM. that doesn't take into consideration any development around the medical center or any of the stations. although that is likely to be minimal, it may indeed add up to something.
i am not thrilled that light rail is not the choice here - but it is an improvement for this corridor and who knows what it may spawn. i have wanted the sexier light rail for a long time now and i understand the justifications that transit authorities have to make (price per mile and on and on)... that they could build this whole line including transit centers for $110M is pretty telling. that finances how many miles of light rail?
also, my hope is that this system will defy popular sentiment and it will attract the "white collar" public that is said to be loathe to ride buses. $4 gas has changed the dynamics of who will ride public transport.
also, considering the modest investment ($110M), this line could easily be upgraded to LRT in the case that SA ever gets on board. more likely, this becomes one aspect of a better mass transit system in SA, including a River North streetcar and some commuter rail with Austin and SA's outlying suburbs.