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You cannot widen your way out of a traffic jam (see I-77) and yuppies will not use carpool lanes or light rail because they have to be seen in their Lexuses (or is it Lexi?).
Well, back near Boston, the place I came down here from, public transportation is huge! Traffic is still a nightmare around Boston, but it would be much worse without the commuter rail. I definitely see several roads becoming tolls\ roads. I like the idea, for the simple fact it will generate funds for projects in and around the city. Small chance folks will jump on the light rail or bus if they realize they are paying tolls everyday. I can see it now. The toll roads will be avoided and all side roads will be atrocious to travel on!! haha, gotta love growth...
the difference with boston and similar cities there is more of a dense population verses charlotte that covers more land mass.
The estimate right now is only 2 percent of charlotte residents will use light rail and probably most of them are already unable to drive.
Atlanta is a good exampleto follow since it is very apparent the marta system did not solve or put a dent in Atlanta traffic problems.
I think the light rail is good planning for the future though. Everyone says Charlotte isn't planning for the future, but this is actually one area where they are at least attempting to. Charlotte will be a lot more dense by 2025.
The MARTA system in Atlanta "failed" because of the lack of zoning around each station (something Charlotte IS doing right) and the fact that it couldn't be expanded outside of Fulton and DeKalb Counties. Charlotte is making numerous infrastructure improvements and has re-zoned the areas around the line (and will do so with future lines) in order to create more transit oriented development around each station. Also light rail is different than heavy rail (MARTA).
the difference with boston and similar cities there is more of a dense population verses charlotte that covers more land mass.
The estimate right now is only 2 percent of charlotte residents will use light rail and probably most of them are already unable to drive.
Atlanta is a good exampleto follow since it is very apparent the marta system did not solve or put a dent in Atlanta traffic problems.
Should Charlotte continue with light rail system enlargement? Is it a waste of our tax dollars or good planning for the city's future?
I am not against it because for some reason public transportation seems to make a city for some reason. I just dont like how some people think it going to solve traffic congestion.
It will help in the future as more of these skyscrapers and other buildings being built uptown as way to go uptown due to the lack of more parking spaces.
I only think a small amount of exisiting residents will utilize the park n ride shuttles to the light rail stops. It will help future residents or residents who relocate along the rail line to the existing and future development.
It will not be a express way to get into uptown because it will have to make stops at each station.
Lack of everyday living neccessities like grocery stores, hardware etc is one of draw backs I have there is one uptown but it a harris teeter express.
I am also concern about the area not being pedestrian friendly. For instance one of the stops will be at Tyvola road and that isnt a easy intersection to cross in car much less on foot and I do believe someone was hit in that area a few weeks ago.
This area is also not bike friendly either . The bike lanes they do have you could be riding about a speed of 20 mph and then boom! no more bike lane no warning. I also have been on some that have gravel or debri or guttter drains that run parallel to the bike wheel.
I again and not dishing the light rail from happening and I wish the state would start something like the CalTrain which moves people rapid. I just dont want people to believe that there going to be alter change in majority of residents habits due to there is a light rail option.
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