Quote:
Originally Posted by City Wide
If your subway is truly a underground subway, then there's no question that it would be vastly more costly then regional rail. Girard Ave, because of its width and that so many intersections have traffic lights, would be a good candidate for turning that line into a 'modern' trolley line, where the ROW has some sense of limited access and the trolleys could be given traffic light controls. The section of the line between Broad St west to the river is tight, but much of the rest of the line runs on a fairly wide street. Unfortunately SEPTA for good or ill doesn't have very big dreams (if any!) and that might reflect accurately on the gov'ts they represent. I'm glad that they seemingly are serious about trying to preserve their existing service, but wish they and the powers that be would think bigger and have a sense of, a interest in new future possibilities.
|
It's not a priority nationally, so it's not one in this region. The feds have taken a step back in terms of funding major transit expansions. When the interstates were built the feds paid 80 or 90% of the cost. Now, to get a major transit expansion you have to go through a lengthy process to even apply for a federal grant- which will only cover 50% of the project cost IF YOU ARE AWARDED the grant. There is article today about Lower Merion confirming they will not chip in towards cost of K of P expansion. without a regional tax dedicated to transit you will never see ambitious expansion projects happening here.