Posted on 03/05/2010 2:53:15 PM PST by deport
You are right on that. Northern States have had it for decades and even LA. It is a part of their lives. It will take a while to catch on here, even with our bus systems in place.
Actually we have had commuter rail for over a century and a half.
True, and it hasn’t been used much. Except as a tourist or sight-seeing kinda thing. Even Austin’s Cap Metro is not constantly ‘flush’ with riders.
I like the idea, don’t get me wrong. I’ve loved riding on trains since I was a little kid. It’s just not in a Texan’s genes to give up their freedom for such things. Pretty independent bunch.
In the North it didn’t take much time to catch on. Can remember trolley cars in abundance and many rides even 50 years ago. It is more a way of life there.
The route chosen in Austin also leaves some out of the loop. Maybe someday it will be in reality city-wide and cover the whole city. Then novelty will get people on and if it is any good ... get them to stay.
I wish them well, just not holding my breath.
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