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Light Rail Transit
has such a profound effect on communities that, it's easy to see how
it can be something that everyone benefits from.
The
Challenge
People
who benefit from light rail
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The
Challenge ...
It's
estimated that more than 80,000 new people will make the Greater
Austin Area their home within the next year. And most of them
will bring their cars with them.
How
will we accommodate the influx of new traffic? Most likely, we
won't. Building new road capacity--even if we had the money and
space--will never keep up with the pace of added traffic congestion.
Therefore,
Light Rail Now! promotes a balance of transportation modes--automobile,
transit, bicycle, and pedestrian--along with telecommuting and
flex time for area workers to help combat the problem.
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The idea is to keep moving, and to make sure that when we move
we respect the people, environment and neighborhoods of Austin.
in particular, the area faces challenges in managing air quality
and protecting water quality.
With
that in mind, Light Rail Now! finds that the most effective
and environmentaly friendly way to increase our balance of options
is for the construction of a light rail system.
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The
following characteristics make light rail an ideal solution for
the challenges facing Austin:
·
Vehicles move people. A three car train can carry up to
420 people or more.
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Light Rail avoids congestion. Since it runs in its own
right of way (lane or track), it isn't stuck behind traffic, and
cars aren't stuck behind it.
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it runs on electricity. Light Rail is therefore quiet,
and does not emit harmful pollutants.
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The schedule is dependable. Unlike buses, which are subject
to traffic and boarding delays, light rail runs on a dependable
schedule that gets people to their destination quickly.
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Stations can promote quality development. Because planners
want easy pedestrian and bike access to stations, development
around the stations is designed for neighborhood compatability.
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The bus system benefits. Buses act as feeders for light rail
systems, and thus they would enhance crosstown routes for Austin.
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Just
a few people who benefit from Light Rail...
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"I think for
me personally, light rail is going to save time and energy, especially
in getting downtown to th Capitol, the Children's Museum or to
big events. Now we can go together as a family and not have to
worry about parking or traffic."
Amy Chamberlain
and daughter Ellie, Rosedale Residents
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"To
keep our central city alive and vibrant, we've got to make it
accessible. Light Rail represents a critical step in that direction."
Chris
Riley, Attorney and Downtown
Neighborhood Association President
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"Light rail
has so many benefits. I like it because the schedule is dependable
and it's so accessible.
It also would
create a more effective bus system."
Audley
Blackburn, Braille consultant
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"My
time is valuable and I don't like to sit in traffic. Light Rail
is fast and convenient...Plus, I can relax, read and enjoy the
ride without dealing with the craziness on the roads. Light Rail
will help make Austin a world class city without destroying it's
local flavor."
Roz
Anderson, Event Coordinator
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"I see light rail as combating sprawl. Over time, it will provide
a focus for development that's more pedestrian and bike friendly."
I'd be riding
light rail to work everyday. It's faster and the schedule is more
dependable than buses, since light rail isn't subject to delays
from bad weather or congestion."
Kenneth
Marsh, bicycle commuter
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"As a disabled
non-driver, I'm excited about Light Rail as a another option for
transportation.
It's a tool
to further enhance our quality of life here in Austin."
Marilyn
Rogers, Teacher at Brentwood Elementary School
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