Reply To: Mass Transit Rail

[Clayton Munson]

There is no worse mistake than to design for what we hope to be true and ignore what we know to be true. There seems to be a growing philosphy that is preaching doing just that and expecting different results.

I only partly agree with this statement. Yes we do need to take into account the “existing real need”, but I think we also need to provide a solution looking forward. At what point do the effects of expanding a highway become higher than that of building a rail system. If we continue to expand highways we just allow for more cars to be on the road. Andrew said mass transit “will thrive in areas where driving and parking are a pain in the neck”. If roads are continually expanded will that point be reached. I live in Phoenix where there has been talk for several years about the possible construction of a 14 lane super highway through the center of phoenix (I-10). Will that ever become a “pain in the neck” for drivers. . .

They just opened a new light rail system here as well and ridership has already exceeded the expectations.

As far as those “techniques” that you listed. I feel that it is important to know those in order that at some point in the future we will be able to “break the mold” of current design processes. Nothing will ever change if someone doesn’t take the initiative to make that change and inform others. Many developers, not to mention the consumers, don’t even know what Zero-lot-line, new urbanism, or co-housing mean.

There was a comment made earlier about the United States being so spread out. I view that as a reason as to why high speed rail systems should be promoted and implemented. It would then be possible to live in those rural areas and commute 200 miles to work in a larger city with out losing anytime . I guess I’m thinking that a plan for both inner city mass transit and high speed interstate rail need to be looked at as a viable option instead of focusing available funds on repairing/expanding the existing highway system.

Picture this . . . your driving down the highway in Texas, a state that never seems to end, and you see a train pass you going 200mph. Would you consider taking that train the next time you made the trip and rent a car at your destination. If you feel like you must have a car to travel around your destination.