METRO meeting June 18 regarding halting of transit expansion

Funny, I guess that's the problem for you. You don't understand the nature of the question on either point.

It's not if supporting communities get their share. The question is if their share is proportional to the amount they pay. If they pay less than they recieve, then it's a redistribution of tax money.

Second, the money would get returned back to Metro so they can apply to funds to Houston transportation needs.

I see why this question is hard for you.

So what's your opinion about the commuter line from Sugarland so S. Main?

 

I stated that if its goal is to be considered a world class city and want to attract those quality of games, it has to develop the infrastructure. Read before you insult.

its nonsense to think that expanding our public transportation system would not help our chances in drawing world tournaments. I am not saying it would net it for sure, but it increases the probability. It's a small step but it's an important step.

 

I guess you are unaware of the countless light rail systems in this country alone that run on streets.

 

I don't understand why people don't jump on the increased bus routes. They can be implemented cheaper and faster. The ridership data can then be used to make a case for rail in certain areas. Make them 'luxury' with WiFi, little to no stops, nice seating. Large buses running a predetermined course are also prime targets for running on natural gas. Very little infrastructure or compromises in vehicle design would be needed.

Bus routes are the way to go here.

 

Buses are too slow and get screwed by traffic. High speed rail travels at 90mph and has no issues with traffic.

That said, buses are a good supplement, and would be a nice complement to the high speed rail.

 

Have you ever ridden a Houston bus? They are never on time. They really can't be since they have to go in traffic. Houston rail has the 2nd highest ridership per mile in the entire country.

 

Hell no. The bus is terrible here. That is why I am saying upgrade the buses.

 

Buses are for poor people.

 

Is all white folks on the morning bus to downtown and back at 6pm

I guess white folks only use it to go to work... poor folks use it to get around.

 

Lets look at the past 20 years for Summer Olympics for fun.

2016 - London: Lightrail-Yes, Heavyrail-Yes
2008 - Beijing: Lightrail-sorta (Trollybus, which is electrified buses), Heavyrail-Yes
2004 - Athens: Lightrail-Yes, Heavyrail-Yes
2000 - Syndney: Lightrail-Yes, Heavyrail-Yes
1996 - Atlanta: Lightrail-No, Heavyrail-Yes
1992 - Barcelona: Lightrail-Yes, Heavyrail-Yes

Let's look a little forward:
2016 - Rio: Lightrail-Yes, Heavyrail-Yes
2020 - Istanbul: Lightrail-Yes, Heavyrail-Yes
or
2020 - Tokyo: Lightrail-Yes, Heavyrail-Yes
or
2020 - Madrid: Lightrail-Yes, Heavyrail-Yes

Edit: Los Angeles was the prior city in 1988 and did not have a light or heavy rail at the time. It should be noted that they now have both light and heavy rail up and running 6 seperate lines. 2 heavy, 4 light.

 

It isn't the only criteria and even if it were it makes no sense to use it for justification for spending billions.

Not to mention all of our stadiums and venues are in the inner loop

My feeling is more people are letting their desire of rail trump their desire for increased public transport.

 

Yup, that what everybody has been saying, the IOC makes their selection solely on the existence of light rail.

What is the walk from the astrodome to minute maid? Like 6 or 7 miles? Quit your complaining you whinny tourists!

 

Why would they walk? We have light rail from Reliant to Preston/Main St. 5-6 blocks from there to Minute Maid. Have you been to Houston?

 

Lol. At the time, the Summit and UH we're also venues. Long walk there.

 

In case you didn't know, one of the reasons Houston was eliminated (twice) was because of insufficient public transportation (ie heavy and light rail).

 

That or we didn't bribe them enough with hookers and blow.

 

There we go. When logic fails, toss in a loony bomb.

 

2nd highest is really 2nd highest because besides metro buses, there isn't any other real mode of public transport in downtown. Not saying much when some of the other biggest cities in the country have other modes of transportation besides busses and light rail.