Light Rail System in Huntsville?

[Huntsville]

Pirat_cat in if its approved it will take 10yrs to build by that time it will even more expensive and the possible loss of right of way on the open rail line. I hope noone expects this to be built in less than 5yrs if its approved by the year's end. We don't move with a purpose when we build such things around this state.

[Huntsville]

I appreciate the adult tone of discussion too, just wanted to let yall know! I only care because I am very pro Huntsville and always looking for something that pushes Huntsville into the future in a positive way.

[Pirat_cat]

Well....even if it takes that long to build, you still have to get people onboard with the *idea* of it in the first place, which I am just not convinced would happen right now.
I suppose it just depends on how many people are willing to think that far ahead. I wouldn't want to take a risk on spending all that money to build it and then see it go unused. I guess that's my fear at the moment.

[friday13]

From what and where I've lived so far, I would say a public transportation network, whether gas-guzzling buses, electric trams, or greener alternatives, solar-powered, sail-powered and the like) works best (cost-efficient, ridership etc) in a high-density population setting. Take Europe, Asia, they built vertically, granted the big cities in the US did the same, but also sprawl is the "norm" in mid to small cities/towns here.]

Heck, I would walk more, but where are the sidewalks?

For Huntsville, particularly, I do not think someone would even dream that one day the city will have a fully-functional all-over the city transportation system. Ok, say they build the LRT 3 miles from my home to CRP where I work, and I am willing to walk to the station for the daily commute and wait 15mins, rain or (hot humid) shine. I also have 2 kids in daycare, do grocery shopping after work on the way home. How am I supposed to do all these without a car?

For the sake of this argument, do you know of anybody (yourself, friends) living X walkable miles from work, and actually walking to work every day, rain or shine? Say, 2- 3 miles, is otherwise a leisurely walkable distance, does anyone actually walk that distance and on their way to work, drop the kids to school too? What time do they leave the house to get to the office at 7-8A?

Take the school bus in Hsv: you live in 2 mile radius from school, and bus won't pick you up. Are those kids actually walking or dropped off, and picked up by a neighbor or after-school program?

What I'm saying: there's no way we can put everyone on the "grid" or close enough that they'd be willing to use the system (exclusively).
Growing up in Europe, it was possible not to have a car (the need was minimal to warrant owning one) - but boy, hauling suitcases in the tram to the train station going on vacation was no small potatoes. Or groceries from the nearby (2mi) market. And so on. But back then I was a kid walking to school 4 miles away (pocketed the monthly bus pass money), and riding the tram to swimming practice. That was my job. Now, I'm a grownup with children that I have to haul to daycare, later on sports and activities, and time is my worst enemy. So, no thank you, I'll continue to ride my car (hubby has his, unfortunately is not possible to carpool). So there, I don't see myself riding the bus/LRT soon.


If you instead are arguing for a stretch of LRT, say downtown to CRP/RSA, then yeah, it could happen someday.

Likewise, how about a railway train from HSV to Gulf Shores (the area in general-the beach). I would gladly take a ride.

[Huntsville]

'If you instead are arguing for a stretch of LRT, say downtown to CRP/RSA, then yeah, it could happen someday.

Likewise, how about a railway train from HSV to Gulf Shores (the area in general-the beach). I would gladly take a ride."--friday13

I'll take that! Actually If there was a light rail connecting Hsv, to Bham to Montgomery and to Mobile to North Florida that'd be awesome.

[Charles]

U.S. Space and Rocket Center To Get $259,000 Tramway Extension | HuntsvilleNewswire

[DvlsAdvc8]

Originally Posted by HB2HSV

That's like saying Financial Engineering is also a part of Engineering. Social study is actually a part of science, e.g., social science.

How does this relate to the subject of this thread I have no idea. Probably just as relevant as the price of beef in chicago.

Agree... completely irrelevant, I'm just addressing the comment.

Engineers are a funny lot. Do you have a better definition of engineering than the one I provided? Something more exclusive that fits with the "title" and "exclusivity" seeking mentality of engineers? For give me for creeping on the rarefied air of engineering! It's in my job title and my job fits the academic definition of engineering... what's a guy to do?

Your "financial engineer" fails to meet the definition. He does not build anything.

It's all good though, I don't need to be in the club. You can call me a typist so long as I remain as well paid.

[Reactionary]

FYI - Doug Gooch, proposed developer of the Bridge Street to Redstone light rail system, responded to criticism of his plan at Flashpoint.