Hypothetical Light Rail Map (Allentown, Latrobe: low cost, garden, airport)

[MonVoyage]

Feedback appreciated:

https://www.google.com/maps/mm?authuser=0&hl=en

Note: Pink Lines are commuter rail. Also, didn't have time to add all the stops.

[MonVoyage]

Originally Posted by I_Like_Spam

The problem with a fixed rail system like this is that it becomes costly to abandon and build new lines as circumstances change and the area grows or contracts in different sectors.

Rail transit is the best way to thwart this economic expansion and contraction. Rail permanence is attractive to major investors. Look at any major city, and you'll find that the areas least likely to succumb to contraction, are areas with stable rail transit.

[speagles84]

Originally Posted by MonVoyage

Feedback appreciated:

https://www.google.com/maps/mm?authuser=0&hl=en

Note: Pink Lines are commuter rail. Also, didn't have time to add all the stops.

Can't see your map.

[MonVoyage]

Sorry, my bad. This should be the correct link.

https://www.google.com/maps/ms?msid=...f06334c6&msa=0

[zman63]

Originally Posted by MonVoyage

Sorry, my bad. This should be the correct link.

https://www.google.com/maps/ms?msid=...f06334c6&msa=0

I think there should be light rail, but I do not think we should be extending it out as far. I would not extend any of these light rail lines past the first or second ring of suburbs.

[I_Like_Spam]

Originally Posted by zman63

I think there should be light rail, but I do not think we should be extending it out as far. I would not extend any of these light rail lines past the first or second ring of suburbs.

A large number of people, probably a majority here in Pittsburgh, live in the outlying areas. Don't you think it is important to connect these folks as well?

It would certainly be necessary politically to do so, particularly in getting funding from the state government. This kind of transportation project doesn't help the rural areas, to disengage most of the suburban areas from it as well would seem to doom it as a popular issue for the legislators to vote "aye".

[pman]

Originally Posted by I_Like_Spam

A large number of people, probably a majority here in Pittsburgh, live in the outlying areas. Don't you think it is important to connect these folks as well?

It would certainly be necessary politically to do so, particularly in getting funding from the state government. This kind of transportation project doesn't help the rural areas, to disengage most of the suburban areas from it as well would seem to doom it as a popular issue for the legislators to vote "aye".

also important to note that all the lines aren't light rail, the one to Greensburg is commuter rail. I'd go a step further and say rather than commuter rail it should be a regional service like the keystone in the east that runs from Johnstown to Pittsburgh and makes relatively few stops. the further you get from the city the more the geography of the line makes sense. I think the city could do a lot worse than support the AVRR project

[zman63]

Originally Posted by I_Like_Spam

A large number of people, probably a majority here in Pittsburgh, live in the outlying areas. Don't you think it is important to connect these folks as well?

It would certainly be necessary politically to do so, particularly in getting funding from the state government. This kind of transportation project doesn't help the rural areas, to disengage most of the suburban areas from it as well would seem to doom it as a popular issue for the legislators to vote "aye".

I am not sure, but I am willing to bet most of Allegheny County's population lives within the first two suburban rings.

Why should places like wexford deserve light rail service when they are against consolidation of their local government and school district into a county one? There is going to have to be give and take on this one. I am in favor of using light rail and bus service as the poker chip. I would right size the port authority to just the city limits. If you want to merge into the city you get bus and light rail service. If not then no service for you.

[I_Like_Spam]

Originally Posted by zman63

I am not sure, but I am willing to bet most of Allegheny County's population lives within the first two suburban rings.

Why should places like wexford deserve light rail service when they are against consolidation of their local government and school district into a county one? There is going to have to be give and take on this one. I am in favor of using light rail and bus service as the poker chip. I would right size the port authority to just the city limits. If you want to merge into the city you get bus and light rail service. If not then no service for you.

They "deserve" it, because they have the vote and will be paying for it.

Unless you want to make light rail and bus service financed and run by the city government alone. I don't see that as very viable. The city government has a difficult enough time taking care of the business they are engaged in right now without taking on further responsibilities.

[zman63]

Originally Posted by I_Like_Spam

They "deserve" it, because they have the vote and will be paying for it.

Unless you want to make light rail and bus service financed and run by the city government alone. I don't see that as very viable. The city government has a difficult enough time taking care of the business they are engaged in right now without taking on further responsibilities.

I have a funny feeling county and city residents already voted for some consolidation. If peduto and fitzgerald are up for sharing services as they have stated, how are people going to feel in wexford feel if their county tax dollars are going to go to help the city pension fund or school district debt? You know they aren't going to get a break in taxes. The leftover money will go to the pension fund or school district since both entities are sharing service.