No money for bus stop shelters, but a billion dollars for rail? (Austin: home, cost of)

[Novacek]

Originally Posted by Roadking2003

Federal funds are readily available by the billions. Not just for rail.

There is a dedicated, and funded, FTA fund for matching new transit system construction. No such fund exists for, for instance, adding shelters to existing bus stops.

[In_Correct]

Originally Posted by Roadking2003

Most of them have a shelter. But some don't, and I see people standing in the sun every time I drive down south Congress. So yes, people do use stops with no shelter. I've seen them.

I'm surprised you care.

[Austinite101]

Originally Posted by In_Correct

I'm surprised you care.

95% chance he doesn't, the opponents of this will post anything if it's negative about rail.

[Lowexpectations]

Originally Posted by Roadking2003

Most of them have a shelter. But some don't, and I see people standing in the sun every time I drive down south Congress. So yes, people do use stops with no shelter. I've seen them.

They should carry umbrellas

[Roadking2003]

Originally Posted by In_Correct

I'm surprised you care.

??????

Strange and snarky post. Utilizing bus infrastructure helps everyone. So you don't care?

The fact remains that the City Council can find billions for rail projects but neglect bus riders who could be helped with a few hundred thousand dollars.

[Roadking2003]

Originally Posted by Lowexpectations

They should carry umbrellas

And would you propose we save millions on the rail project by not putting a roof over the rail stations? Can they "carry umbrellas" too?

[Novacek]

Originally Posted by Roadking2003

And would you propose we save millions on the rail project by not putting a roof over the rail stations? Can they "carry umbrellas" too?

Putting a roof over 16 rail stations($) < putting a roof over a large subset of 2600 bus stops ($$$$)

[PrimusPilus]

Thanks to the spirited discussions on this forum, I have made up my mind to vote for Prop 1. Like everyone, I was initially against it - costs too much, won't do much. I have learned that no amount of money will solve Austin's traffic woes instantly. My arguments are simple - rail won't solve the problem but rail as an option cannot be brushed aside as Austin's population continues to explode (makes me think about NYC in 1905). Roads and buses alone aren't enough. People need alternatives. If we don't start now... when? If there's another cheaper and practical alternative, I've not seen it put forward by anyone. Yes, my taxes will increase greatly and it might only help my commute in 20 years but I cannot ignore it's impact on this city. So I'm voting yes.

[Austinite101]

I'm voting for it as well. I'm hopeful of its passage.

[Roadking2003]

Originally Posted by Novacek

Putting a roof over 16 rail stations($) < putting a roof over a large subset of 2600 bus stops ($$$$)

You have it backwards. Rail stations will cost millions of dollars each. And most of the bus stops already have a roof so we don't need 2600 roofs. A bus station roof would probably cost $3000 compared to millions for a rail station.