Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
I don't think we really disagree on much here, except maybe the idea that off peak traffic doesn't suck already, particularly on the surface streets. Certainly peak hour traffic can be reduced, but I still think the reliance on tourism, military, government, and other industries that require someone to be present will require folks to commute for years to come.
As long as one knows what surface streets to avoid, off-peak traffic on O'ahu isn't that bad, since there's often more than one route to get to a particular destination. On the Big Island, if one of the main roads is congested (as the result of "rush hour", accidents, disasters, etc.) there's often no alternative route.
Quote:
Originally Posted by UHgrad
Unfortunately they are past the point of smart growth in most places on Oahu, when run down old shacks cost $650,000 because of the land they sit on it is pretty hard to tear them all down and build a mixed use community in its place.
Thereʻs still a slight chance to incorporate some "smart growth" principles in Kapolei and the ʻEwa Plain. Here's a link to a PDF of a report entitled "Smart Growth Transportation: Honolulu - Ewa and Kapolei" that was prepared several years ago at the request of the City and County of Honolulu and the EPA... Smart Growth Transportation
Quote:
Originally Posted by UHgrad
I personally think this thing will cost WAY TOO MUCH for what it will do in the short term and the archaeological studies / environmental assessments are going to be ridiculous. But long term the benefits of fixed rail transit have shown to be pretty positive due to transit oriented development, reduced commute times (for some), reduced reliance on imported energy (huge for Hawaii), and if nothing else just getting the ****ing tourists who don't know where they are going off the road.
I agree. In this particular economic climate, the City and County of Honolulu really canʻt afford a rail transit system; however, the alternative of not building it is just as unpalatable. It going to be interesting to see how much Honoluluʻs rail system will end up costing by the time itʻs completed and where the funds to construct it end up coming from...
It going to be interesting to see how much Honoluluʻs rail system will end up costing by the time itʻs completed and where the funds to construct it end up coming from...
I'd imagine the fees to ride it, will offset costs in the long run. Some of these rails end up in the surplus in future years.
I don't think we'll ever see a highway or road end up with a surplus.
As populations just continue to explode and expand into the future, basic infrastructure is essential.
If cities like Manila, Calcutta, Lima, Caracas, Recife, Algiers, etc can have subways/rail, than it seems like Honolulu could afford to create one line going through it's heaviest populated areas.
Probably better idea was to be named "Hawaii Rail" because one day same company will operate with rail on other islands Also what we need is circle tour (around whole island) with same Honolulu Rail.
I think the rail would be good for the long term. More and more people will ride it. With population growth there will not likely be less cars on the road but like some others mentioned the rail would be good for overflow.
There is a lot of incentive to ride a rail. It's quicker than the bus because it doesn't sit in traffic with cars, it is more environmentally friendly than cars (obviously. The average car on the road has ONE person in it. The average rail car can hold at least 100 people), and the money individuals spend on public transportation can be tax deductible. Gas and maintenance on a personal car isn't.
Severely behind schedule - the latest delay being the bids for the first set of stations were severely over budget that they decided to do another bid process.
Severely behind schedule - the latest delay being the bids for the first set of stations were severely over budget that they decided to do another bid process.
Phase 1 delayed until at least 2018.
Sheesh. Any talk of scrapping the plans altogether then?
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
