In response to Keith Reitman from Near North: Modern light rail is much quieter than the trains Keith remembers from Chicago. In fact, Hiawatha light rail will be much quieter and cleaner than automobile traffic on Highway 55. Light rail tracks, unlike most railroad tracks, are continuously welded eliminating the loud clicking noise associated with freight and commuter rail.
If neighborhood streets fill with cars left by rail passengers, there are remedies that have worked for other cities with rail. More than 200 people attended a recent parking management forum to discuss remedies like permit parking zones, making it easier to walk and bicycle to stations, and incrementally adding park-and-ride spaces. To read the recommendations made by parking management experts and input from the community on those recommendations, link to http://www.dot.state.mn.us/metro/LRT/parkingforum.html The physical layout of our neighborhoods can ensure that walking, bicycling and using transit are safe and pleasant alternatives to driving alone. Every light rail station will have a minimum of 5 bicycle lockers and 10 bicycle racks. Plus, you will be able to take your bicycle on the train. Metro Transit is also retooling bus routes so that everyone in south Minneapolis is within 4 blocks of a bus route that will take them to a light rail station. In addition, pedestrian enhancements are being identified through community-based station area planning led by the City of Minneapolis and Hennepin County. This includes lighting, streetscape, landscaping and sidewalk improvements. Hope to see you on the train next year! Jennifer Lovaasen Outreach Coordinator Metropolitan Council _______________________________________ 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
