View Full Version : New Streetcar Routes in Other Cities
Spartan 05-07-2012, 11:21 AM The advertising mechanism can easily be separated. JC Deceaux usually does Europe's tram advertising, and they typically have a detached kiosk model that you see everywhere.
Like this:
http://www.eclipsemedia.ie/cms/images/SmartieontheGreen.jpg
I'm guessing this is in the UK based on the spelling of colours and traffic configuration.
Tier2City 05-08-2012, 09:51 AM Looks like Dublin.
Just the facts 05-16-2012, 10:39 PM Just to be fair (and play devil's advocate against myself), these shelters will have to cover people from all kinds of potentially brutal weather conditions. We may way wind cover, shade, rain cover, etc. Shade could possibly be provided instead with trees over the shelters.
They could make the shelters round with an overhead track and an inground track that holds 2 or 3 sliding glass walls. That way people waiting for a streetcar can just move the glass around to block the wind and rain but still have visability to see when the streetcar is coming.
Spartan 05-25-2012, 12:23 AM Here are two really cool pieces of inspiration I came across in Cleveland this last week:
Bus shelters in the Gordon Square Arts District area - essentially designed as a single piece of metal that folds in different places to create form and function for waiting passengers:
http://static.worldarchitecturenews.com/news_images/16295_3_Gordon-Square-Bus-Shelters.jpg
This eyepopping-red trellis actually reminded me of this thread. At the least, Red Prime would kill to have this be a streetcar stop outside their restaurant.
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d61/andrew0816/Cleveland%20Under%20Construction/DSC_0087.jpg
Just the facts 05-25-2012, 08:00 AM While in Atlanta 2 weeks ago local radio was buzzing with their new plan to solve their traffic problems. Then today I see an ad for it here in the OKCTalk banner. It was very interesting to hear callers on the radio station I listen to. It is a conservative talk radio station which aires Rush, Hannity, Boortz so I can only assume the majority of callers are of like mind. Nearly all of them opposed more freeways and freeway improvement and instead favored commuter rail, streetcars, and expanding MARTA. Several of the callers cited serious concerns that Atlanta was losing companies to places like Charlotte and Dallas which had rail networks they gave people the option of avoiding traffic. One caller who had lived in Atlanta his whole life was dumbfounded that after 40 years of building more freeways than any other city in the world only to see traffic become worse and worse, that the state would propose more freeways as the solution.
From a personal perspective and this is 100% true. 2 weeks ago I left the downtown ATL office and 38 minutes after leaving I was only 4 blocks from where I started. My car doors lock automatically when I hit 13 mph. I had been on the road 43 minutes when they locked. I had to stop and get gas at the BP station at North Ave and Spring street so I entered from North Ave. I got gas and even had to go inside to get my recipet (waiting in line in there as well). I pulled away from the pump and exited the station on to Spring street. The truck that was a couple of cars in front of me on North Ave BEFORE I stopped to get gas, was now directly behind me AFTER I stopped to get gas.
Spartan 06-10-2012, 12:26 PM Jeff - check this out
http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2008/10/tram-station-1.jpg
This is in Allicante, Spain.
Just the facts 07-13-2012, 10:38 AM Funding to electrify CalTrain (Regional rail in SF bay area) was just approved last week.
http://www.sfcta.org/content/view/276/95/
Caltrain officials have long planned to electrify the Peninsula commuter system, allowing for faster, more frequent service, quieter trains, a cleaner environment, and reduced operating costs. Plans were, however, put on hold when the high-speed rail project between San Francisco and Los Angeles raised questions about integrating high-speed rail into the busy Peninsula corridor.
Bay Area transportation officials, along with the California High-speed Rail Authority, have now developed a plan-called Fast Start-for the early phased implementation of high-speed intercity passenger rail service between the San Francisco Transbay Transit Center and Diridon Station in San Jose. By merging Caltrain Electrification and the Caltrain Downtown Extension to the Transbay Transit Center into a single project, and introducing positive train control and infrastructure improvements, near-high-speed passenger rail service can quickly be established between San Francisco and San Jose at relatively low cost, achieving the electrification of the Caltrain system and paving the way for a phased implementation of the complete high-speed rail system.
Spartan 07-13-2012, 07:41 PM I just toured the planned route for KC's streetcar line last week. I don't know the status of getting theirs funded, but I do know that when it is finished it will be a huge success. The Main Street corridor which it follows through KC's Crossroads area (linking Downtown and the Crown Center) is extremely dense and vibrant. I'd watch KC for the next few years..
OKCisOK4me 08-01-2012, 05:31 PM Streetcar district approved by nearly 70-30 margin
Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/2012/08/01/3737131/streetcar-district-approved-by.html#storylink=misearch#storylink=cpy
CaptDave 08-01-2012, 10:05 PM Streetcar district approved by nearly 70-30 margin
Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/2012/08/01/3737131/streetcar-district-approved-by.html#storylink=misearch#storylink=cpy
:congrats: Good for KC.
OKCisOK4me 08-02-2012, 12:09 AM :congrats: Good for KC.
And apparently reading through the comments, it's $100 million for 2 miles. We either got a pretty good deal or we're getting a Dollar General 6 miles, lol.
CaptDave 08-02-2012, 12:45 AM I think we are doing very well with our system. The MAPS Transit subcommittee has been very careful to specify certain attributes the system needs and are finding ways to maximize what we get for our MAPS dollars.
Cocaine 08-02-2012, 12:59 AM Well good for Kansas City. There downtown area is very vibrant but it has the same problem as OKC and a lot of other downtown's in the US very few Grocery Stores.
OKCisOK4me 08-02-2012, 01:37 AM I think we are doing very well with our system. The MAPS Transit subcommittee has been very careful to specify certain attributes the system needs and are finding ways to maximize what we get for our MAPS dollars.
For what is in our near future, it is a lot better than what KC has in store. For sure.
Just the facts 08-02-2012, 02:17 PM And apparently reading through the comments, it's $100 million for 2 miles. We either got a pretty good deal or we're getting a Dollar General 6 miles, lol.
It depends on how that 2 miles is being counted. It could easily be 4 miles if they use double track even if it is 2 linear miles on the ground.
Just the facts 08-02-2012, 02:28 PM http://www.kansascity.com/2012/08/01/3737131/streetcar-district-approved-by.html#storylink=misearch#storylink=cpy
But many downtown property owners remain outraged that fewer than 500 voters got to make a decision of such magnitude. The election excluded many property owners who don’t live downtown but who will be subject to the tax increases.
“They may have had this vote, and it may have been legal, but it stinks,” said Sue Burke, who owns Kansas City Air Filter in the River Market. She lives in the Brookside area, so didn’t have a vote.
“This toy train, this streetcar to nowhere, is a luxury item for rich downtown-dwelling elites,” she said, predicting it will become an “unending black hole of spending” that “will never be self-sustaining.”
She could always move downtown and be a rich elitest her self. She already works there so if she moved she could take the streetcar to work - she is already paying for it, she might was well ride it.
CaptDave 08-02-2012, 02:33 PM There always seems to be a segment of the population that says the same thing anywhere new transit is built. I'd like to go back to those same people 5 years after service began to hear what they say.
The funniest one I have heard is a new transit rail system was for all "the rich yuppies". Didn't yuppies go away in the 90's? Besides, no self respecting yuppie would ever give up their BMW to ride with all those "other" people who wear shirts without designer labels!!
Just the facts 08-02-2012, 02:41 PM CaptDave - I can't figure it out either. Half the people think only bums live downtown and the other thinks only the rich elitest live downtown. So which is it? I wonder if the road in front of her house is self-sustaining? My TV has never turned a profit either, but that hasn't stopped me from owning 8 of them.
CaptDave 08-02-2012, 02:54 PM It is a strange juxtaposition of snobbery and class envy isn't it?
I hope to join those who reverse the suburban flight one day. But 8 TV's!! Man - I thought I was bad!:D
Just the facts 08-02-2012, 03:09 PM It is a strange juxtaposition of snobbery and class envy isn't it?
I hope to join those who reverse the suburban flight one day. But 8 TV's!! Man - I thought I was bad!:D
TVs don't cost as much as they used to.
Dubya61 08-02-2012, 03:32 PM While I can understand her sentiment about how she'll benefit from the added tax, what she needs to realize is that an improved downtown (KC, in this case) improves the city as a whole and she will, in fact, benefit as both a business owner and citizen from improvements to downtown. Not only that, when it's all said and done, it'll probably be extended to her area.
CaptDave 08-02-2012, 03:45 PM Agree 100%, there is more than sufficient evidence that proves that. That is why I am baffled when the same tired arguments are trotted out.
Spartan 08-02-2012, 05:34 PM I am so happy for KC.
Urban Pioneer 12-07-2012, 11:16 AM Looks as though Los Angeles is gaining some needed momentum from their downtowners.
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/.a/6a00d8341c630a53ef017ee5e94440970d-640wi
A special measure to bring back the downtown Los Angeles streetcar appeared to win approval Monday with more than 70% of votes in favor, city officials announced.
Out of 2,065 ballots counted, 1,508 favored the proposal to create an assessment district to help finance the $125-million project, said Holly Wolcott, executive officer of the city clerk's office.
The vote tally is not final because there are still 110 outstanding ballots, she added, but that total is not enough to swing the race.
Downtown L.A. streetcar measure appears headed for victory - latimes.com (http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2012/12/los-angeles-streetcar-measure-heads-toward-victory.html)
Voters Approve Funding for Downtown L.A. Streetcar - ktla.com (http://www.ktla.com/news/landing/ktla-downtown-la-streetcar,0,3959036.story)
Downtown L.A. Streetcar Project Accelerates With $62.5 Million in Local Funding: LAist (http://laist.com/2012/12/04/downtown_la_streetcar_project_accelerates.php)
Streetcars a Step Closer to Returning Downtown Los Angeles | NBC Southern California (http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/Streetcars-a-Step-Closer-to-Returning-Downtown-Los-Angeles--182070191.html)
L.A. Now Live: Is the streetcar returning to downtown L.A.? - latimes.com (http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2012/12/la-now-live-a-daily-conversation-with-the-times-newsroom-1.html)
Tax measure gets things rolling for LA streetcars - SFGate (http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Tax-measure-gets-things-rolling-for-LA-streetcars-4094243.php)
Downtown LA streetcars funding measure passed by voters | abc7.com (http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=news/local/los_angeles&id=8907710)
We Want Streetcar | Vote By Mail This November | Los Angeles (http://www.streetcar.la/)
Spartan 12-07-2012, 01:25 PM Looks like they could get an operating streetcar system by the time we do or even before depending on how bad MAPS 3 turns out (lookin' at you, CC budget). We're really being passed up by a lot of other cities, not surprisingly. Cincinnati is already U/C.
HangryHippo 12-07-2012, 01:49 PM Looks like they could get an operating streetcar system by the time we do or even before depending on how bad MAPS 3 turns out (lookin' at you, CC budget). We're really being passed up by a lot of other cities, not surprisingly. Cincinnati is already U/C.
We're being passed up by a lot of other cities because their streetcars have begun construction and ours is still being designed but forthcoming? Please.
Urban Pioneer 12-07-2012, 01:53 PM Yeah, really Tuscon is probably next. Then we're next or right behind Cincinnati.I don't have a project update on them as of right now. But I plan to be out there in December or January and say hi to my friend Mayor Mallory.
I suspect the LA campaigners for this vote are being a bit optimistic. lol
Spartan 12-08-2012, 07:15 PM We're being passed up by a lot of other cities because their streetcars have begun construction and ours is still being designed but forthcoming? Please.
The reality is that the timeline has been pushed back due to the convention center and a lack of political will to match the issues voters cared about and that year's difference will be big. Scoff all you want, but the chance to make a splash by doing something special will have been passed up because our City Council is more serious about a convention boondoggle.
Cincinnati has already broken ground on utilities relo. Their mayor is awesome btw - UP lemme know if you're in Ohio.
Just the facts 12-10-2012, 07:47 AM Cincinnati broke ground because they borrowed the money to do it. Our is funded first, and then we start contruction. I would rather wait 2 or 3 years than pay bonds for 30 years. While ours will be free (my fingers are crossed) to ride, Cincinnati will constantly have a fare battle on their hands to raise enough money to pay the debt on their system.
catch22 12-10-2012, 12:18 PM I doubt ours will be free. You still have direct operating costs. Electricity, maintenance and grooming, drivers (I'm not sure about the last, if they are driverless or not)
Spartan 12-10-2012, 12:37 PM I used to believe paying cash was smart, but now I'm not so sure. The school I'm currently adjunct teaching at on the side specializes in urban economic development and several of the tenured profs have written their thesis on cash vs. bond financing. Due to life-cycle finance and inflation you're actually loosing money if you don't pay for things in the future with debt.
Basically pay X amount NOW to get 3/4ths what you pay for later, or get something NOW and pay its costs NOW when you have more money later (which even if you don't hit gold, you still will due to inflation). I think the whole no-debt thing is a magic cow that I believed in from OKC's experience, but yet, I think leaving town and keeping an open mind toward ED experts has demystified that for me.
It's also not as if OKC doesn't use bonds just as much as any other city. OKC pays for all of its road projects (and regular-type public works stuff) with bonds and uses sales tax instead for special projects. Almost just the opposite of what other cities do. Advantage? Who knows...
As for not getting federal funds, UP was telling me once that it could reduce our buildout costs something like 15% so federal funds were really only worth it above that amount. Either way, there will be a backlash if you guys don't use union labor, and I hope you're willing to face it because that's a very easy way to reduce costs.
LandRunOkie 12-10-2012, 01:05 PM Is there proof that light rail increases property values? If so, the sooner the streetcar gets built, the sooner the county (ergo the city as well) sees revenues increase. If there is solid evidence the streetcar would increase tax revenue, bond financing would be very attractive, imo.
Hope you like my new avatar, didn't want to damage any more threads ;)
onthestrip 12-10-2012, 02:34 PM Is there proof that light rail increases property values? If so, the sooner the streetcar gets built, the sooner the county (ergo the city as well) sees revenues increase. If there is solid evidence the streetcar would increase tax revenue, bond financing would be very attractive, imo.
While there is probably no argument that it doesnt increase property values, the city/county however will not see that immediately. It will only bring in more property taxes when a particular property sells. Outside of that it will just be the standard 3% increase.
The biggest advantage is the incentive for unused or underused properties to be be redeveloped.
catch22 12-10-2012, 02:38 PM Keep in mind we are already seeing development proposals and some current construction that have cited the streetcar route as primary advantages. And the tracks are not even in the ground yet, or even officially out of engineering analysis. The streetcar will be a game changer downtown, it's already started to have an effect.
Spartan 12-10-2012, 02:52 PM Is there proof that light rail increases property values? If so, the sooner the streetcar gets built, the sooner the county (ergo the city as well) sees revenues increase. If there is solid evidence the streetcar would increase tax revenue, bond financing would be very attractive, imo.
Hope you like my new avatar, didn't want to damage any more threads ;)
That's why Seattle and Kansas City have funded streetcar projects with a taxing district that captures the property tax growth within an area relative to the streetcar to pay off bonds. I believe that is the absolute best funding mechanism for transit projects, because then it also puts the pressure on local officials to work toward TOD.
LandRunOkie 12-10-2012, 04:12 PM Yes that is a genius level idea. Pair that with increased property tax rates on vacant lots and parking lots, so as to cut down speculation (a la Pittsburgh early 20th century), and we could have a Bricktown-style renaissance across the urban core, within 15 years!
Spartan 12-10-2012, 04:18 PM I would love to look into examples of cities that have matches a streetcar taxing district with exclusionary zoning/taxes on vacant lots, if anyone knew of specific examples.
I feel like Arlington, VA may have used exclusionary zoning against underutilized land though the Capitol Metro infrastructure was obviously federally funded? The development that they experienced within a 20 year span was amazing.
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4125/5061820451_44d6b8f2a9_b.jpg
1970
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1202/5145585713_82a2354047_b.jpg
2005
http://www.refineddesigneronline.com/finemetrohomes/site/images/rosslyn.jpg
Rosslyn skyline
LandRunOkie 12-10-2012, 05:22 PM Sorry I can't give you an example. This is a hobby for me, not a profession. I chose to go to OU which understandably has an underwhelming urban planning department. In fact they only started offering the urban planning degree in the 1990s I think.
I may get a masters in urban planning or real estate development online as time allows. Busy with plenty of other business pursuits right now. MIT has a ton of great curriculum to go through related to urban planning on their ocw.mit.edu (http://ocw.mit.edu/index.htm) site.
Just the facts 12-11-2012, 06:54 AM Thanks for that link LandRunOkie. I haven't look through a lot of it yet but not all urban planning programs are the same. The University of Miami program is very heavy on new urbanism principles but there are still universities out there teaching single use zoning and promoting Le Corbusier style Garden Cities. I have posted this in several place but one more time won't hurt. The University of Miami offers an on-line Certificate program in New Urbanism that is open to anyone.
New Urbanism Online (http://nuonline.arc.miami.edu/)
Here is the next session.
2013-A Session:
Subject to change
Course and Exam Registration: February 12 - March 5, 2013
Course begins: March 7, 2013
Exam access begins: May 23, 2013
Course and exam access concludes: June 10, 2013
LandRunOkie 12-11-2012, 08:37 AM Very interesting stuff. It looks like they are coming out with a 2nd edition of their charter next summer. Between the streetcar, elementary, and potentially some New Urbanist zoning, this city could finally become more like its beautiful neighbors I've visited: Memphis, Kansas City, Denver, even Fayetteville and Little Rock have some advantages on us iirc (for nature and walkability enthusiasts like me).
Spartan 12-11-2012, 09:53 AM Kansas City is an incredible city.
LakeEffect 12-11-2012, 10:55 AM I hope you will check out OU again soon. I think it is safe to say their program has improved dramatically. The projects they are doing are quite interesting and with the collaboration with groups like ULI and the TED movement, I see a signification commitment to the urban planning profession coming from OU.
Sid, your optimism is cute. Current students I've talked to aren't so glowing of their own program. The good things coming out of OU are from Blair and the ICQ, not the planning program, unfortunately. Hopefully what he does will lead to a revamp of the program.
LakeEffect 12-11-2012, 10:56 AM Kansas City is an incredible city.
Agree. I need to spend more time there.
LandRunOkie 12-11-2012, 11:20 AM You are right, the program still could use work. I too have heard some grumblings. However, I think it is also near a cusp of change. Optimism, yes. But from the evidence I have seen, even from Boren's office, planning is growing in importance.
I think the problem is that there are only a few urban planning jobs in the state, so it is difficult for OU to justify the expense. There just isn't an economy of scale for a state the size of Oklahoma.
Obviously we would prefer to hire locally raised urban planners to imported ones. If the city were to start a scholarship program to allow local students to attend the great urban planning schools (Cornell, NYU, Columbia, UCLA, Chicago?, MIT, Miami?), it would have access to the best of both worlds, urban planners with a highly developed "local knowledge" and world-class education. If we continue to import planners, we will continue to have a planning department overpowered by the engineers, imo.
LakeEffect 12-11-2012, 11:30 AM I think the problem is that there are only a few urban planning jobs in the state, so it is difficult for OU to justify the expense. There just isn't an economy of scale for a state the size of Oklahoma.
Obviously we would prefer to hire locally raised urban planners to imported ones. If the city were to start a scholarship program to allow local students to attend the great urban planning schools (Cornell, NYU, Columbia, UCLA, Chicago?, MIT, Miami?), it would have access to the best of both worlds, urban planners with a highly developed "local knowledge" and world-class education. If we continue to import planners, we will continue to have a planning department overpowered by the engineers, imo.
Well, Blair exported himself to MIT and came back to help our region/state. He's doing well. I'm a University of Michigan planner (also a top program, thanks. :) ) and imported myself here. I don't think imported planners are the reason planning is overpowered - that's a structure bred at the top by having engineers in top positions of power.
catch22 12-11-2012, 11:40 AM I'm fine with importing planners. They have outside perspective of other cities which to bring ideas here.
soonerguru 12-11-2012, 11:48 AM Keep in mind we are already seeing development proposals and some current construction that have cited the streetcar route as primary advantages. And the tracks are not even in the ground yet, or even officially out of engineering analysis. The streetcar will be a game changer downtown, it's already started to have an effect.
But, but, I heard the Convention Center was the "crown jewel" of MAPS III. That's what the Oklahoman said. It's going to lead to an urban renaissance.
Oh wait.
LandRunOkie 12-11-2012, 11:59 AM I'm fine with importing planners. They have outside perspective of other cities which to bring ideas here.
Outside perspectives can be imported w/o importing the planners themselves. Municipal planners must do battle in the political arena, and being a local goes a long way in how much credence people give you. Especially in Oklahoma. Right or wrong.
Just watch the council members react to what Claus says. If some Marrs type guy is opposed to what he has to say, he will use the Australian accent as an excuse not to listen.
Obviously very few 18 year old Oklahoma Cityans can afford to go to MIT (40-50k/year). And very few of those are going to come back to OKC and work for ~35,000. But that is exactly what we need to happen I believe, although it won't be me.
soonerguru 12-11-2012, 12:47 PM Outside perspectives can be imported w/o importing the planners themselves. Municipal planners must do battle in the political arena, and being a local goes a long way in how much credence people give you. Especially in Oklahoma. Right or wrong.
Just watch the council members react to what Claus says. If some Marrs type guy is opposed to what he has to say, he will use the Australian accent as an excuse not to listen.
Obviously very few 18 year old Oklahoma Cityans can afford to go to MIT (40-50k/year). And very few of those are going to come back to OKC and work for ~35,000. But that is exactly what we need to happen I believe, although it won't be me.
This could happen if said students are members of the Chickasaw Nation. They really take care of their tribal members when it comes to educational opportunities and health care, two things our nation should do a better job of providing.
Spartan 12-11-2012, 02:05 PM I think the problem is that there are only a few urban planning jobs in the state, so it is difficult for OU to justify the expense. There just isn't an economy of scale for a state the size of Oklahoma.
Obviously we would prefer to hire locally raised urban planners to imported ones. If the city were to start a scholarship program to allow local students to attend the great urban planning schools (Cornell, NYU, Columbia, UCLA, Chicago?, MIT, Miami?), it would have access to the best of both worlds, urban planners with a highly developed "local knowledge" and world-class education. If we continue to import planners, we will continue to have a planning department overpowered by the engineers, imo.
Well, it's not like we don't import engineers, either.
Look at the almighty Jim Couch's alma mater.. I think it's something like East North Dakota Popcorn State or something like that.
LandRunOkie 12-11-2012, 04:12 PM Any engineering degree curriculum that is ABET accredited is worthy of respect and valuable in the marketplace. I don't believe there is a similar accreditation standard for urban planning.
Spartan 12-11-2012, 04:28 PM AICP. Degree + 2 years (depending on your degree) + exam.
However most upper-level planners I know have just recently decided not to renew their AICP because it just makes their APA membership more expensive and isn't really worth it. I'd agree that the profession lacks credibility because there are too many of us for how many jobs there actually are, and we're always willing to undercut the next best candidate.
But there is also a curriculum review mechanism even though I'm not sure what it is for US schools.
LakeEffect 12-13-2012, 09:36 AM Any engineering degree curriculum that is ABET accredited is worthy of respect and valuable in the marketplace. I don't believe there is a similar accreditation standard for urban planning.
The Planning Accreditation Board is similar to ABET. Planning Accreditation Board (http://www.planningaccreditationboard.org/)
AICP would be more worth it if people in upper management/other areas respected it more and gave it credence. For instance, if I had taken and passed the PE while at the City, I would have automatically received a pay bump and one position bump. When I took and passed the AICP, I received nothing more than a "congratulations."
Just the facts 01-12-2013, 01:23 PM Saw this yesterday so I thought I would pass it on. In early 2012 the Jacksonville Skyway needed several million dollars in repairs to the turnstyles. Instead of paying to fix them the City suspended fares for 3 months to see if reidership would increase. Eventually JTA also suspended bus service that ran the same route as the skyway. The result. The Jacksonville Skyway was the fastest growing transit system in terms of ridership percent increase at over 100%. It has become so popular that there is even talk of expanding what 12 months ago everyone wanted to close.
JTA Skyway: Nation's Fastest Growing Rail System! | Metro Jacksonville (http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2013-jan-jta-skyway-nations-fastest-growing-rail-system)
Long known as Jacksonville's white elephant, the JTA Skyway has a new accolade to add to it's list. According to American Public Transportation Association (APTA), over the last year, our own much maligned Skyway was the nation's fastest growing fixed mass transit system in terms of average weekday ridership over the first three quarters of 2012.
ljbab728 01-29-2013, 12:10 AM An interesting article by Steve comparing Kansas City's funding methods to that used in OKC.
Downtown Kansas City streetcar ballot offers unlikely option for Oklahoma City | NewsOK.com (http://newsok.com/downtown-kansas-city-streetcar-ballot-offers-unlikely-option-for-oklahoma-city/article/3749921)
Plutonic Panda 01-29-2013, 01:17 AM I read that. Will be interesting to see if OKC does end up following KC methods for voting.
BoulderSooner 01-29-2013, 07:25 AM just a point a clarification ... KC is really getting a 4 mile system (2 miles double tracked)
Just the facts 02-11-2013, 07:49 AM It seems 'rail' in contageous. SunRail (Orlando Commuter Rail System) is set to open early next year and alredy three other groups want to connect to it.
Tampa-area group looks at possible SunRail extension - Orlando Business Journal (http://www.bizjournals.com/orlando/blog/2012/11/tampa-area-group-looks-at-possible.html)
All Abord Florida train from Orlando to Miami
Expansion of SunRail to Tampa Metro Area
Maglev train from Orlando Airport to Orange County Convention Center
I wouldn't be surprised if Daytona doesn't try to connect. And of course, if Daytona does it Melbourne will want to connect as well since they don't want all the tourist going to Daytona.
Just the facts 02-12-2013, 07:06 AM Saw this video yesterday and thought it was pretty informative. Even though it is about the Orlando system it goes into some of the construction challenges that would be applicable to OKC as well as an introduction to some of the terminology.
miL6wPI1cZc
Just the facts 02-19-2013, 09:42 AM Found this map today. Although it is from 2011 it give a good overview of rail across the nation (and Canada)
http://www.thetransportpolitic.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/2011-Openings1.jpg
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