Do you support the proposed Ohio Rail (3-C Connector)? (Berea: 2014, property taxes)

[EarthBound?]

Originally Posted by Clevelander17

Well, if there were more demand for such service, it would probably be better well-kept. The point is that people prefer to drive in their own cars.

No , I'd say that Greyhound has been doing the nose dive action since the mid to late 70's.
And frankly when it comes to relaxing and watching the scenery go by, I'd rather let someone else do the driving. Especially if I want to kick back and tip a little bubbly with my best half (if they would allow alcohol aboard the train) . (And not get busted on a open container charge)

[AGuyFromCleveland18]

You know, I was a big supporter of the train line and really upset when it got canceled, but when I read this I began to question it's practicality more.

Columnist Brent Larkin's claim about 1935 steam train stoked with truth: PolitiFact Ohio | cleveland.com

opened my eyes a bit.

[DarkWolf]

Originally Posted by Clevelander17

And that development pulls money from other areas. It's not a net gain.

I've also heard some say that in the Northeast, the "development" occurring near many rail stations is building of parking lots.

No , there are alot projects that don't pull $$$ form other places , look up Harrison , Rahway , South Amboy , Perth Amboy.....New Brunswick....its usually a 6 story garage....and that serves the entire town or Transit village....which can be up to a half of Square mile. Look up some projects and then get back to me , also White Plains and New Rochelle....

[JR_C]

Originally Posted by AGuyFromCleveland18

You know, I was a big supporter of the train line and really upset when it got canceled, but when I read this I began to question it's practicality more.

Columnist Brent Larkin's claim about 1935 steam train stoked with truth: PolitiFact Ohio | cleveland.com

opened my eyes a bit.

Because it wouldn't go as fast--initially--as a train in 1939? It's been said many times before that the US used to have a passenger rail system that was the envy of the world. But now, we would have been starting over, so I'm not surprised that it wouldn't have been as good, at first. Remember, the 3C's top speed would have been 79 mph. But the 1939 train probably had much higher speed limits, because the system was at its peak.

[AGuyFromCleveland18]

I think the fact is that this country was designed around the freeway and that is something that we just have to live with. Instead of trying to create a new system of high speed rail for inter-city travel, we should keep the highways for that purpose and focus on mass transit and rail for intra-city travel. This will benefit the cities by causing people to live closer in to access the transit, and will also be good for the environment as is evident in NYC having one of the lowest per person carbon footprints anywhere.

[jetgraphics]

Originally Posted by AGuyFromCleveland18

I think the fact is that this country was designed around the freeway and that is something that we just have to live with.

Only since the 1950's has the freeway been the "driving" force for urban and suburban design.

Originally Posted by AGuyFromCleveland18

Instead of trying to create a new system of high speed rail for inter-city travel, we should keep the highways for that purpose and focus on mass transit and rail for intra-city travel. This will benefit the cities by causing people to live closer in to access the transit, and will also be good for the environment as is evident in NYC having one of the lowest per person carbon footprints anywhere.

The Age of Cheap and Plentiful Oil is over.
Before oil, we had boats and railroads.
After oil, we will have boats and electric railroads.

When gasoline passes $5/gallon, the public demand for rail mass transit will be evident.

The National Electric Railroad Initiative

[abr7rmj]

Looks like another state is leaving Ohio in the dust when it comes to rail transportation, and it's Michigan of all places, with a Tea Party governor!

Tea Party governor breaks ranks with Republicans to embrace high-speed rail | Suzanne Goldenberg | Environment | guardian.co.uk

Hey Kasich, what about this quote from staunchly conservative Michigan governor Rick Snyder don't you get?

"Investment of this magnitude can spur economic development in our communities with rail stations, and provide access to a 21st century rail system that will help Michigan citizens compete in a global economy. Reliable, fast train service is attractive to businesses that want to locate or expand near it. This investment in our rail system is critical to Michigan's recovery."

[PhillytoCincy]

Originally Posted by abr7rmj

Looks like another state is leaving Ohio in the dust when it comes to rail transportation, and it's Michigan of all places, with a Tea Party governor!

Tea Party governor breaks ranks with Republicans to embrace high-speed rail | Suzanne Goldenberg | Environment | guardian.co.uk

Hey Kasich, what about this quote from staunchly conservative Michigan governor Rick Snyder don't you get?

"Investment of this magnitude can spur economic development in our communities with rail stations, and provide access to a 21st century rail system that will help Michigan citizens compete in a global economy. Reliable, fast train service is attractive to businesses that want to locate or expand near it. This investment in our rail system is critical to Michigan's recovery."

Yes, Michigan with its terrible economy and dead cities is brining in rail. Ohio, who has an unemployment rate below the national average, and a much more diverse economy than Michigan, with cities that are actually seeing billions in re-investment, will see no rail. Not to mention, our economy isn't solely based on the auto industry and manufacturing.

[Crew Chief]

I hope I'm not sounding like a broken record but... I LOVE mass transit! I'd definitely ride a bus/train/tram to work if I could. But what bothers me is that not enough of us 'Mericans are willing to give up the privacy & convenience of our cars. And, I hate to say it, riding public transportation can be an, um, social experience that some wouldn't risk for anything. So, until we can change the mindset of a LOT more potential riders, I think spending vast sums on public transport of any sort beyond road infrastucture is way down the list of current priorities. Sorry...

[JR_C]

Originally Posted by Crew Chief

I hope I'm not sounding like a broken record but... I LOVE mass transit! I'd definitely ride a bus/train/tram to work if I could. But what bothers me is that not enough of us 'Mericans are willing to give up the privacy & convenience of our cars. And, I hate to say it, riding public transportation can be an, um, social experience that some wouldn't risk for anything. So, until we can change the mindset of a LOT more potential riders, I think spending vast sums on public transport of any sort beyond road infrastucture is way down the list of current priorities. Sorry...

This is what is so frustrating to me--someone who doesn't have a driver's license. In the overall scheme of things, no one is suggesting that we spend "vast sums" of money on public transportation. The annual projected subsidy for the 3C ($17 million, I think) would have been like a drop in the bucket, compared to what we spend on roads every year.