Why isn't there a metro train from Sugar Land (Katy, Woodlands, etc) to downtown? (Houston: crime, second mortgage)

[houston-nomad]

Originally Posted by randian

Mass transit is slow, inflexible, inconvenient, monstrously expensive, and delivers no significant environmental benefits. Did I mention monstrously expensive? So yes, they were very farsighted.

show me the numbers that compare the cost of light rail to the cost of building more highways. Figure in the added pollution from the cars on the highway as a healthcare cost (tell me how on earth you conclude that mass transit has no environmental benefits!). Figure in the cost of gas to the people driving. Show me a solid economic comparison to back up your assertion.

Then, I'll tell you that personally, I think it's worth the cost.

[Bike4Life]

It's because we don't have anything like this because of Senator Cullbertson.


YouTube - The Bullet Train "NOZOMI" Part4 Okayama-Shin Osaka

[Poltracker]

Originally Posted by houston-nomad

show me the numbers that compare the cost of light rail to the cost of building more highways. Figure in the added pollution from the cars on the highway as a healthcare cost (tell me how on earth you conclude that mass transit has no environmental benefits!). Figure in the cost of gas to the people driving. Show me a solid economic comparison to back up your assertion.

Then, I'll tell you that personally, I think it's worth the cost.

I believe there is an environmental benefit to be sure. The economic benefit is actually problematical. All rail transit systems have proven that they cannot support themselves. If they try, they would not have riders as the cost/benefit for the individual would weigh heavily toward individual transportation. As it stands, these systems are generally 70% (or greater) dependant on tax support so the perception to the individual is that it is more economic to take the train. Local funding of the operation costs for mass transit (especially rail) has become a hot issue so much that the feds are now considering a bill (passed by house a few weeks ago) to help bail out the locals for operating costs in addition to the funds set aside to help construction.

While rail is a grand idea, do you really want your taxes to jump considerably to pay the operating costs for all this?

[houston-nomad]

Originally Posted by Poltracker

I believe there is an environmental benefit to be sure. The economic benefit is actually problematical. All rail transit systems have proven that they cannot support themselves. If they try, they would not have riders as the cost/benefit for the individual would weigh heavily toward individual transportation. As it stands, these systems are generally 70% (or greater) dependant on tax support so the perception to the individual is that it is more economic to take the train. Local funding of the operation costs for mass transit (especially rail) has become a hot issue so much that the feds are now considering a bill (passed by house a few weeks ago) to help bail out the locals for operating costs in addition to the funds set aside to help construction.

While rail is a grand idea, do you really want your taxes to jump considerably to pay the operating costs for all this?

But what I'm saying is that to assess the cost properly, you can't compare it to zero, you have to compare it to the cost of building and maintaining roads.

[scammed1]

Originally Posted by Bike4Life

It's because we don't have anything like this because of Senator Cullbertson.


YouTube - The Bullet Train "NOZOMI" Part4 Okayama-Shin Osaka

That's Congressman Culberson. At his town hall meeting he said (paraphrasing) anything tx.dot wants, tx.dot gets.

[scammed1]

Originally Posted by chicagomama

I don't get it. Wouldn't people use it all the time? Is the govt talking about it? Houston is such a big city, they should put in a metra....

To answer your question, because it is Houston where politcians are beholdent to Tx.Dot. Seems like it is an on going process of building roads and then tearing them down. Now, with the coming of the single rider paying a toll for riding the HOV it will get worse.
But don't forget we have that lightrail to nowhere downtown.
In this day and age to not think of putting in mass transit from the burbs to downtown is ludicrous. I am not just talking of metro, but how about that bullet train, Why not?
By the way you may want to look at Michael Skelly running against Culberson.
Things need to start changing and fast.

[dcoolbro]

Intermodality » Blog Archive » Commuter rail: fast but right


There is talk of having some form of commuter rail by 2012 using existing freight lines.

[texas7]

Originally Posted by chicagomama

I don't get it. Wouldn't people use it all the time? Is the govt talking about it? Houston is such a big city, they should put in a metra....

They could put it to my front door and I probably still wouldn't use it because I prefer to take my own transportation. There are people w/o their own transportation who need it and desire it. Just because it is there doesn't mean that everyone would use it. Some will, some won't. It comes down to their personal choice and needs.

[tstone]

Originally Posted by texas7

They could put it to my front door and I probably still wouldn't use it because I prefer to take my own transportation.

This is part of what some call a "Texas attitude". I personally feel the same way. And I'd rather bring only myself vs. carpooling.

[scammed1]

That's fine but others feel differently. Some people will have that point in which they feel mass transit will be more adventagous, but it certainly should be an option.
A few co-workers of mine have now gone to Metro to get to work, as I may be doing soon. With the cost of gas going up almost daily even carpooling with 2 is no longer cost worthy. I never believed I would even consider Metro but I am open to it and the thought of not driving and being left off right in front of my place looks pretty good. To each their own.