BIKE: Vote for Commuter Rail Flier! Opinions?

[Jay Paulson]

Anyone else get the flier on their door today about Commuter Rail?  If you didn't get it here's what it says.

Front of flier:
"Vote for commuter rail on November 2

Take the first step.
A vote "for" commuter rail is a vote for a common sense plan to help manage Austin's growth.  We need to do all we can to address our transportation needs.

Keep Austin Austin!
We need transportation choices that protect our neighborhoods and our quality of life.

Envision a long-term transportation plan.
Urban Commuter Rail is the beginning of a comprehensive plan that will include regional commuter rail that runs along the Union Pacific track between San Antonio and Georgetown, also serving South Austin.

A Vote For Commuter Rail Is Also
A Vote For Bicycle Transportation
Capital Metro's commuter rail plan will:
-Build trails along the commuter rail tracks where feasible
-Accommodate bikes on all trains and at all stations
-Provide new recreational opportunities for residents

Rails-with-trails will help close the gaps in Austin's bike routes and trail networks and allow cyclists to pass beneath barriers such as I-35, 183 and Mopac.
.....
Did you know Central Texas is projected to add 1.25 million people in the next 20 to 40 years? *Source: Envision Central Texas (2003)
This means more cars on our roads and significant impact on how you live.  Urban Commuter Rail provides transportation choices for Austin residents.

Bumper-to-bumper, Central Texas will have enough new cars to form a line 2,960 miles long: from LA to Austin and on to Washington DC. *Source: Envision Central Texas (2003)"

Back of flier:
"Austin's Future: A City With Transportation Options

Vote For Commuter Rail On Nov 2

-Hybrid diesel trains will run on existing track already owned by Capital Metro and can travel up to 60 miles per hour.
-The urban commuter rail will operate between Leander and Downtown Austin with 9 stations along the way and fast shuttle buses waiting to take you to popular destinations.
-The proposal encourages more pedestrian-and transit friendly development in desired growth areas.
-The proposal will give people from all walks of life more choices and easy access to places they need to go every day.
-The proposal includes bicycle trails along the commuter rail tracks and provides bicycle accommodations on rail cars and parking at rail stations.
-Both the stations and shuttle bus routes will be designed by committees with community input and neighborhood representation."

At the bottom of the flier is a list of several organizations and people endorsing the proposal.

I also heard a commercial on the radio the other day that said the rail plan was entirely budgeted in cap metro's budget and not one bond or tax dollar is going to be spent on this.

Just thought I would post this to see what you all thought.  I think there are a lot of things they aren't telling everyone, like the rail cars can go 60mph but will they ever go that fast?  Just were are these trails with rails going to be and how are they going to "close the gaps in Austin's bike routes and trail networks"?  Among other things.

jay
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