Austin Cap Metrorail System
Austin’s has been ranked fourth for
the most congested city in the US since 2012 by the INRIX, and since then it
does not seem that it has improved at all. It does not help the traffic
situation when Austin is averaging 110 people moving every day. With such
demands rent has sky rocketed for new residents only to spend most of their
time sitting in traffic. The Metrorail
transit system has been beneficial for all types of people even for myself; I
find it convenient that I can take the Metrorail transit to downtown without
worry about traffic and parking. After
riding the transit for about a year now since ACC students have free unlimited
access to the Metrorail system, I feel that there could be many improvements to
be made. I believe the idea and concept of the metro rail could improve the
cities traffic by expanding and extending the rail system. One of the downside
for me is that there isn’t enough trains running through the late mornings and
late afternoons. If they could add and
additional rail next to the current rail, they could have both north-bound and
south-bound trains running at the same time thus students like me don’t have to
wait 45-1 hour for the next train after getting out of class. They can also add additional lines that run East and West. Yes,
it may slow down traffic on the road because of the crossing of trains, but I
believe that the more people see the train running and stopping them, the more
it would raise the interest.
After all, 83% of the resident agreed that one of the
biggest issue for our city is the traffic and it is primarily due to poor city
planning.
In 2018, Cap Metro drafted a high
capacity system plan, which includes; potential express lanes, additional
lines, and connector corridors, but no funding for the plan is in place. Austin
voters declined a similar ballot proposition back in 2014. I feel since we are
facing the rapid growth, more people would look into this idea and support the
plan. With the rapid growth of the city, Austin community college is also
growing in high percentage mainly because ACC started a BA nursing program and
new campuses are on the rise, which has affected problems such as parking. If
we can encourage students to vote for funding for the Metrorail system, it
could cause it be more effective and efficient and time. Therefore, I believe
we could cut down a small percent of the traffic concerns around town.
Hi Henry, your views are a relief to me and I completely agree.
ReplyDeleteI especially like your straightforward style of presenting your argument with very detailed, factual information. Further, your discussion points are especially solid: 1) that the city’s existing infrastructure can’t handle the massive influx of residents and new residents and 2) that a high capacity system plan with two-way transit is needed. Thus, I think we can say that change needs to happen for the future success of the city.
Both discussion points are especially timely in today's Austin for residents who are commuting for work, play or education. However, these discussion points not only affect people who live in the city – they also affect those who commute to the city or surrounding area for work. And, even more, the issue affects anyone traveling beyond the city and surrounding areas into other parts of the great state. So, it’s not crazy to infer that the traffic on I-35 also greatly impedes and slows travel and tourism on the main corridor. Hindering people from commuting in a timely manner also hinders monies from flowing throughout various businesses, towns and cities in the state and if that doesn't convince local government things need to change, I am not sure what will.
Infrastructure is needed, in a very dire and immediate sense to aid not only the city’s operations but for the health of tourism and travel throughout the state. True, traffic is part of living in a big city but the city’s infrastructure has not expanded at the same rate or even at a fraction of it to keep up with the demands. This is not Los Angeles!
I also like your flexibility to get places, in that you personally use the MetroRail. I think that makes you a responsible commuter. I think ridesharing, bike lanes and the MetroRail are a big part of Austin’s current and future transportation infrastructure. You should read this very recent article spotlighting a coalition called MoveATX that aims to split people who use their cars and city transport to 50/50. Link: https://www.kxan.com/news/local/austin/moveatx-says-more-travel-options-needed-to-deal-with-austin-traffic/1883494373
In closing, traffic and commuter options are two things that really matter and very much need improvement. Yes, it’s exciting to live in such a burgeoning city, but what is the point when you can’t get anywhere? Will we all resort to using the unregulated (annoying) scooters that people ride on sidewalks and in streets, going rogue just to get to where they need to be? I think and hope not!