Quote:
Originally Posted by EngiNerd
This is true, the economics of it definitely don't make as much sense for groups of over about 2 people. However that said, if it does become harder to park, the convenience of driving will continue to decrease, and also with dwindling parking supply comes higher rates, also leading to people potentially using the train more.
The SE corridor trains are still packed to go to a Rockies game on the weekend, even though they suck as a team.
In the end though, I think the Metro Ballpark district really just wants to keep the revenue stream coming in from parkers, they don't see anything from those riding the RTD until they enter the park. That and they have $15m burning a hole in their pocket it sounds like.
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Very true, as parking gets more expensive, transit becomes more competitive. But then the entire experience of going to a game becomes more expensive. The baseball district is in the business of providing the infrastructure for the baseball infrastructure - not making transit more appealing. If they have it within their power (and budget) to provide parking, and that keeps baseball more affordable than other alternatives, then that's their responsibility. I don't have to like it, but I can't fault them for it.
Maybe RTD should put a little bit of effort into revamping its asinine fare structure, rather than us complaining about a baseball stadium wanting to replace 4,000+ nearby parking spaces that have been lost in recent years. This just isn't a discussion any rational regular joe would even begin to understand.
EDIT: We were talking about the fare structure at the forum meet this weekend, and about proposed plans for the airport train to replicate the current (very expensive, barely competitive) skyride fare structure. But another example...and not a great one, because I don't necessarily care what happens with out-of-district riders. But it's just as relevant for any suburban riders.
When my mother and brother come up to Denver on weekends for theater - we've looked at what it would cost for them to take the train in. For two of them to park at Lincoln, and ride into downtown and back, is presently $22. It's roughly 19 miles each way - so say 40 miles, at 20mpg... it's $8 in gas to drive it r/t, plus maybe $5 to park. I simply do not understand how a $10 round trip fare from park meadows to downtown is justifiable in any normal world. It's insane. It's BARELY competitive for a single driver (and I imagine that's why the fare is set there). But even discussing the light rail for two people is lunacy. Or at any time other than peak parking times (regular weekday commuting) for a single driver. It's set up to be a commuter system, period.
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