Atlanta metro now eighth-largest in nation (live, rail, stations)

[fashionguy]

Dallas is building very fast for light rail.

Originally Posted by NewtownMacon

No I'm not saying no Atlanta, I'm saying it time for Atlanta to let the rest of the state experience some growth....and I think the state should step and assisted with helping deviate growth to other cities in Ga Augusta, Macon, Columbus and Savannah.....by offering companies tax breaks and incentives to consider these cities as oppose to Atlanta. Atlanta may not get as much money as some people think for the state but so does promote and stands behind Atlanta more than the others.

[coolyfett]

Originally Posted by thedudewiththeplan

I think they should look at parts of Europe and Asia for ideas. I have seen some studies of a national high speed rail network connecting cities from Boston to Miami and Chicago that looks like a great idea. If only we could get them to make it a reality!

This country LOVES the automobile too much Dude. we can't even take a trian from Atlanta to Miami in this country. Only way for people to give them up is if they are forced to. I hope Atlanta can move down the list and not further up. The people here don't understand the importance of rail. They just do not get it. If you want High speed rail in America the gas prices would have to be 8$ for 87 octane a gallon.

[coolyfett]

Originally Posted by thedudewiththeplan

I very highly doubt it would rival the Tokyo train system. Even NYC pales in comparison to its coverage. You are hard pressed to find a single block in metro Tokyo that does not have some form of public transportation!

Here is a map of the Tokyo subway from Joho Maps (it does not even show the commuter trains or bus routes on it!)

Subway Map of Tokyo - JohoMaps

I think I need to learn Japanese!!! Jesus man!!! That is jus the Westside of Tokyo!!! If Atlanta had a quarter of that it would be amazing. I have got to learn Japanese!

[Mgyeldell]

Originally Posted by coolyfett

I think I need to learn Japanese!!! Jesus man!!! That is jus the Westside of Tokyo!!! If Atlanta had a quarter of that it would be amazing. I have got to learn Japanese!

I dont think atlanta could handle that much train but it could be more like chicago.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...5e/CTA_map.png

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...tra-System.png

[Crane's Rooster]

Originally Posted by BringBackCobain

In response to the whole Washington-baltimore thing, I am sure the census bureau has thought about this, and I am sure that there is a good reason they have not done it.

And, Washington and Baltimore are NOT the same metro area as of now, so thats all that matters for these rankings.

In response to the Washington Post article - It amazes me to see people who support this. If I want to build a neighborhood with cul-de-sacs, I should be allowed to, its none of the governments business. And yes, it could save money, but the amount is probably minimal.

Having one central mailbox station in neighborhoods, like what they have in apartment complexs, would save the government money too, but does that mean it should be done?

Theres a reason that there is a lot of cul-de-sacs - people like them, and there is a demand. Some people like sprawl and low density - they should have an option. Why do you support imposing other people's living preferences on everyone else?

Undoubtedly people should options but that doesn't mean the municipalities are obliged to provide that option. Just as private developers have the freedom to create their rules so do the municipalities. It's not say you can't develop a cul-de-sac laden subdivision, just not in certain places. The people who don't mind that will move there and the people who do will move to places where they can live on a cul-de-sac. It's no different than people choosing to live in big cities vs. rural areas or the east v. west v. midwest for cultural and lifestyle reasons.

Some municipalities allow you to only water your lawn on certain days or not own certain breeds of pets. If you want to water your lawn everyday or own a banned breed move to another area. This is no different. If your preference is less density and spread out divisions you have to move to an area that will allow it. Each type of development will create their own demand. It's not about imposing on anyone's rights it's about options and what's most important to the individual. You have the right to privacy in your home, you have the option and freedom to choose whether you do that in a dense area or spread out development.

[coolyfett]

Originally Posted by BringBackCobain

In response to the Washington Post article - It amazes me to see people who support this. If I want to build a neighborhood with cul-de-sacs, I should be allowed to, its none of the governments business. And yes, it could save money, but the amount is probably minimal.

Dude are you serious?

[thedudewiththeplan]

Actually I read that all of the passenger rail services combined in the metro Tokyo area have around 22 million people ride them a day. That is more people than live in the entire NYC CSA! There are also studies of how many people ride bikes to work and most countries in western Europe are in the 15 to 20% range. America is around 0.3%. Much room for improvement if you ask me! As for metro Atlanta rail looking anything like Chicago, there would have to be some serious change in density before that could happen. The more dense they can make the area, the better it will be for public transportation.

[jluke65780]

Originally Posted by Saintmarks

Well, Texas USED to know how to make a freeway. These days, Texas knows how to make a tollway.

ain't that the truth. Even though I'll give it to Houston for expanding Katy Frwy.

[e2ksj3]

Originally Posted by BringBackCobain

In response to the whole Washington-baltimore thing, I am sure the census bureau has thought about this, and I am sure that there is a good reason they have not done it.

And, Washington and Baltimore are NOT the same metro area as of now, so thats all that matters for these rankings.

In response to the Washington Post article - It amazes me to see people who support this. If I want to build a neighborhood with cul-de-sacs, I should be allowed to, its none of the governments business. And yes, it could save money, but the amount is probably minimal.

Having one central mailbox station in neighborhoods, like what they have in apartment complexs, would save the government money too, but does that mean it should be done?

Theres a reason that there is a lot of cul-de-sacs - people like them, and there is a demand. Some people like sprawl and low density - they should have an option. Why do you support imposing other people's living preferences on everyone else?

To address your first point, you are technically right in terms of MSA. In my opinion it isn't a fair comparison seeing how Atlanta's "MSA" sprawls much larger than DC's. Barrow County in Atlanta is part of the MSA, which is like 30-40 miles away. DC can't claim Anne Arundel County or Howard County although it's only 20-30 miles, because it closer to Baltimore. I guarantee if you look at commuting patterns, Howard and Anne Arundel have more of a percentage of commuters going into DC for work, than people in Barrow County going to Atlanta.

To address your second point, yeah I see your point, however, we can also say that by encouraging "bad sprawly" type development, that it cost us all in the long in terms of more fuel, more infrastructure, and generally higher health cost (due to lack of walking). Cul-de-sacs ultimately create more bottlenecks in the system, causing more traffic delays, wasted fuel and time, etc. While I don't agree with an all out ban, I think builders who build developments with large cul-de-sacs should be hit with an impact fee, to help pay for the damage that these developments create.

[johnatl]

Originally Posted by e2ksj3

To address your first point, you are technically right in terms of MSA. In my opinion it isn't a fair comparison seeing how Atlanta's "MSA" sprawls much larger than DC's. Barrow County in Atlanta is part of the MSA, which is like 30-40 miles away.

Most residents of Bartow don't go all the way into the City. I would assume that MOST work in Cobb, which is an adjacent, core County.

And how does Atlanta sprawl more than D.C.? The panhandle of WV is quite a stretch, don't you think? But it is included for D.C.