David Brauer wrote:
I think it's important for neighborhood folks - whether opposed to 35W
expansion or not - to get a fair analysis of this argument. Does the
proposed expansion really boost transit or not? If it doesn't boost
transit,
then as Jordan notes, it punctures a propagandistic spin of the
advocates.
If it DOES boost transit, I think the more anti-sprawl, pro-environment
south Minneapolis folks can be effectively portrayed as hypocritical
NIMBYs.
(I realize there are those out there who support more lanes and don't
care
whether they're transit or not.)
CDONNELLY:
We should differentiate between public mass transit and automobile
traffic, both of which are forms of transit. If we can move more people,
in fewer vehicles in less time, I would consider that an improvement,
also a boost of transit.
If total persons traveling increases AND total vehicles on the road
increases proportionally, this too is a boost of transit but not really
an improvement according to me. I associate the sprawl phenomenon with
automobile traffic, and more dense suburban development with public mass
transit.
Even if public transit is operating at full capacity on 35W (I doubt
it), this plan to move the carpool lane from the shoulder to the middle
seems to do nothing to increase capacity of mass transit, only moves it
making more room for cars.
Looking to LRT, I've never understood why the system wasn't initiated in
a corridor where public mass transit is already heavily used and/or
approaching capacity. (ex. I-94 or University Ave, MPLS-St.Paul) I used
to ride across town on routes 94, 16, 50 etc. These were often at
overflow capacity during rush hour. Seems to me that joining the two
central cities in a spirit of regional cooperation would do more to
further the use of LRT and allow expandability. I35 might be a good
location too, but increasing use of mass transit will require lots of
promotion and incentive to lure those bound behind the wheel. Falling
gas prices (temporary) and 0% APR makes that seem unlikely.
WaitePark
1-1
_______________________________________
Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy
Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more:
http://e-democracy.org/mpls
