Critique & Commentary - Henry about Austin's Transportation Infrastructure
Read the original post by blogger Henry about Austin's transportation infrastructure as well as my comments and commentary here. Or, just see below for my comments about his blog post.
And, never forget the power of the pen!
Hi Henry, your views are a relief to me and I completely agree.
I especially like your straightforward style of presenting your argument with very detailed, factual information. Further, your discussion points are especially solid: 1) that the city’s existing infrastructure can’t handle the massive influx of residents and new residents and 2) that a high capacity system plan with two-way transit is needed. Thus, I think we can say that change needs to happen for the future success of the city.
Both discussion points are especially timely in today's Austin for residents who are commuting for work, play or education. However, these discussion points not only affect people who live in the city – they also affect those who commute to the city or surrounding area for work. And, even more, the issue affects anyone traveling beyond the city and surrounding areas into other parts of the great state. So, it’s not crazy to infer that the traffic on I-35 also greatly impedes and slows travel and tourism on the main corridor. Hindering people from commuting in a timely manner also hinders monies from flowing throughout various businesses, towns and cities in the state and if that doesn't convince local government things need to change, I am not sure what will.
Infrastructure is needed, in a very dire and immediate sense to aid not only the city’s operations but for the health of tourism and travel throughout the state. True, traffic is part of living in a big city but the city’s infrastructure has not expanded at the same rate or even at a fraction of it to keep up with the demands. This is not Los Angeles!
I also like your flexibility to get places, in that you personally use the MetroRail. I think that makes you a responsible commuter. I think ridesharing, bike lanes and the MetroRail are a big part of Austin’s current and future transportation infrastructure. You should read this very recent article spotlighting a coalition called MoveATX that aims to split people who use their cars and city transport to 50/50.
In closing, traffic and commuter options are two things that really matter and very much need improvement. Yes, it’s exciting to live in such a burgeoning city, but what is the point when you can’t get anywhere? Will we all resort to using the unregulated (annoying) scooters that people ride on sidewalks and in streets, going rogue just to get to where they need to be? I think and hope not!
And, never forget the power of the pen!
Hi Henry, your views are a relief to me and I completely agree.
I especially like your straightforward style of presenting your argument with very detailed, factual information. Further, your discussion points are especially solid: 1) that the city’s existing infrastructure can’t handle the massive influx of residents and new residents and 2) that a high capacity system plan with two-way transit is needed. Thus, I think we can say that change needs to happen for the future success of the city.
Both discussion points are especially timely in today's Austin for residents who are commuting for work, play or education. However, these discussion points not only affect people who live in the city – they also affect those who commute to the city or surrounding area for work. And, even more, the issue affects anyone traveling beyond the city and surrounding areas into other parts of the great state. So, it’s not crazy to infer that the traffic on I-35 also greatly impedes and slows travel and tourism on the main corridor. Hindering people from commuting in a timely manner also hinders monies from flowing throughout various businesses, towns and cities in the state and if that doesn't convince local government things need to change, I am not sure what will.
Infrastructure is needed, in a very dire and immediate sense to aid not only the city’s operations but for the health of tourism and travel throughout the state. True, traffic is part of living in a big city but the city’s infrastructure has not expanded at the same rate or even at a fraction of it to keep up with the demands. This is not Los Angeles!
I also like your flexibility to get places, in that you personally use the MetroRail. I think that makes you a responsible commuter. I think ridesharing, bike lanes and the MetroRail are a big part of Austin’s current and future transportation infrastructure. You should read this very recent article spotlighting a coalition called MoveATX that aims to split people who use their cars and city transport to 50/50.
In closing, traffic and commuter options are two things that really matter and very much need improvement. Yes, it’s exciting to live in such a burgeoning city, but what is the point when you can’t get anywhere? Will we all resort to using the unregulated (annoying) scooters that people ride on sidewalks and in streets, going rogue just to get to where they need to be? I think and hope not!
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