Should I Vote Yes or No on Rail? Houstonians Please Help

No need for the snide comment at the beginning, please read the sticky at the top of the page.

Thanks for the link, you too mrpaige.

 

Ha ha ha ha ha ha

You must not have even scratched the surface on this issue if you were ignorant to the fact that Dallas' system has been a complete financial failure.

 

I'm assuming these numbers don't take into account money put into the economy by projects such as Mockingbird Station (high-priced condos, shopping center, restaurants, movie theatre) or the economic benefit that I believe companies receive for paying for their employees to ride DART instead of driving downtown. I'm sure that doesn't even things out, but I bet it makes it closer.

Also, it appears that the slagging economy of the last few years may also be somewhat at fault for the economic failings of DART.

Since I don't have the time right now, I wonder if anyone can find information or know where I could find information about the economic success of rail in cities like Chicago, New York, Washington or San Francisco/Oakland/San Jose.

 

Of course, the system isn't designed to be financially self-sufficient. Raising fares to cover the costs to run the operation would kill it. The bulk of their revenues come from sales taxes, not from fares.

So, the system is always going to lose money. It's the way it's designed. But that's the way the vast majority of city services are designed. That's why we pay taxes.

I mean, as far as I know, the Dallas police department is not self-sufficient (though if we included bribes and the like in the revenue column, they might be), but it's still a city service we usually like having around.

I guess it's up to the individual to decide if rail service falls into that city service category that's worth having, etc. But I would never expect it to break-even on operating revenues alone, even after it's completed and mature.

 

Again, no need for the snide comments, please read the sticky at the top of the page.

I didn't ask for a link because I believed that DART was financially successful at this point. I simply wanted to see the numbers.

 

No, you can't include things that don't go directly to DART and their bottom line.

Including the economic impact of something like Mockingbird Station would be dubious anyway since it is smack-dab in the middle of a very highly-traveled corridor of Dallas. There was likely going to be some sort of development at Mockingbird regardless of whether the train ever came about or not.

I mean, they're building high-end condos, an Angelika movie theater, etc. here in Plano right now, too, but they specifically didn't build it on the rail line (it's over at Legacy and the Tollway).

I just don't think rail made or broke that project.

 

I was hoping to find some alternative ideas at that TFTM site but all I gathered from the 100% plan is expanding the freeways at a cost of like 14 billion in the next 25 years for Harris County. Now, if the population of this city keeps growing, will that increased population catch up to the expanded freeways before they even make a difference?


Now, is the rail going to be street level only? That seems stupid to me if it is. Also, I imagine it is being built with plans for expansion in mind, right?

Can somebody tell me why TFTM won't release their donor list, I mean, I know they are trying to get accross a group message, but isn't it illegal to withhold that kind of info?

 

That is ridiculous. Let's forget this rail stuff. Or come up with a better plan.

 

That's interesting that this is a concern in highways, but usually not a concern with Rail even though a Dallas study noted that the Rail at full build-out and capacity would not keep up with the population growth.

 

Those numbers are for the entire DART system, and include busses, as well.

 

Look at me everybody. I'm friggin' Nostradamus up in here.

 

Do you have anything substantial to the conversation to add?

You've just been added to my ignore list. I've just seen way too many no-substance posts out of you. Goodbye.

 

It's been a pleasure not knowing you.

Later.

 

Wait a minute.

There's an ignore list?!

Dude, I have got to take advantage of this.

 

And as you'll notice, I said that partisan sharks would appear.

Slanted information, no matter from what angle, is still information.

 

Right. From your history of posts on this BBS, I can tell that you are lying through your teeth, again.

Nice try, Trader Texx. Wrong as usual, though.

 

I haven't done any extensive reading on this but the problem in Houston is traffic congestion, not getting from downtown to the medical center or the galleria. I think I'd have to vote no unless I hear something convincing about how it would ease congestion on the freeways which I don't think it will. I think some people see this fancy little train deal and get all hyped about it but tangibly what's it bringing to the city? Not enough for what it appears to cost in my mind.

 

They are expanding I-10 by a large number of lanes (and obliterating numerous businesses in the process). I promise you that everybody will be in those last 3 lanes trying to get to their exit. Net gain = ZERO.

 

I definitely support public transportation for everyone else.