I wouldn’t be campaigning against this thing.
This entry is good for people seeking back-story; the linked articles form a “best of” collection from this blog explaining various supporting arguments for the Pro-Transit But No vote on Capital Metro this time around.
Today kicks off with another Chronicle mention in which they say:
Opponents like Mike Dahmus, a member of the city Urban Transportation Commission, say the current commuter rail plan does not go far enough.
The real problem here, as I’ve covered again and again and again, is that this line (unlike light rail) will require shuttle-buses for all commuters every single day and will thus fail miserably at attracting passengers from the suburban (non-bus-riding) population. Since this line, unlike light rail in 2000, doesn’t run anywhere near the areas of central Austin where transit enjoys high use and overwhelming popularity, it can’t make up the difference with progressives either.
Simply not going “far enough” could be fixed with some hard work. But this plan not only goes the wrong way, it precludes light rail from being built to “fix” it. Additionally, it’s SO INCREDIBLY CRAPPY that it’s going to “show” pretty conclusively that Austinites “don’t want rail”. Which, I think, is what Mike Krusee and Fred Gilliam had in mind the whole time….
I’m with you Mike. I voted no.