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The lack of adequate improvement to our region's infrastructure to support the rapidly increasing population seems to be taking its toll on traffic during rush hour. I'm thankful that I don't have to commute to RTP from Raleigh every day b/c 40, 540 and 70 are bad most days. taking us down a bad path. That will quickly impede on the overall quality of life and lead to more of the hustle-bustle feel and stressed out lives that many moved here to get away from.
That said, I love that this region continues to prosper with good jobs and a strong economy. We are blessed with strong and improving cultural attractions, a good sports scene, decent weather, awesome restaurants, etc... I have also been pleased with the tremendous changes and improvements over the past 5-10 years in Durham (my neck of the woods!).
I suppose overall it's a bit of a wash. Certain aspects of the quality of life have improved here but the inadequate infrastructure and poor plans to improve it rapidly enough somewhat offset said improvements.
My perspective on this is as someone who has lived in the Triangle for 23 of the past 28 years.
Atlanta sprawl? We are decades away from that if that is even possible here
So true, with the Atlanta metroplex having 5.7 million people and the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill metroplex, having what 2.1 million people?, it could be 30 or 40 or even 50 more years (or ever) before it becomes as "sprawly" as Atlanta. I think the Atlanta region has maybe 16 Fortune 500 companies headquartered there as compared to the Triangle with maybe 1 or 2, if that. Unless the Triangle gets like 10 Fortune 500 companies to relocate their HQ's there, they will never become as sprawly as Atlanta.
I don't think it's getting any better or worse. Downtown Raleigh is a destination unlike downtown Atlanta which empties out when work ends and people flee for the suburbs.
I think it's improving but the infrastructure needs to keep up for it to remain pleasant. If all we do here is depend on cars to get everywhere then you don't have to be a genius to realize more people plus more cars - most of them solo drivers - equal more traffic. Big buses aren't going to solve it. Most middle class families aren't going to start taking the city bus and dump their cars. However light rail is attractive across the board to all income levels. We need light rail. And we need to start now.
I think it's improving but the infrastructure needs to keep up for it to remain pleasant. If all we do here is depend on cars to get everywhere then you don't have to be a genius to realize more people plus more cars - most of them solo drivers - equal more traffic. Big buses aren't going to solve it. Most middle class families aren't going to start taking the city bus and dump their cars. However light rail is attractive across the board to all income levels. We need light rail. And we need to start now.
Sorry, but light rail only works for all income levels if it is subsidized. And where will you put the tracks? Eminent domain to wipe out peoples homes and businesses? Where will you park? Busses on the other hand can go most anywhere there is a demand, and if the demand changes only the routes need to be adjusted.
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