Austin Metric

This FAQ provides a pro-transit, anti-Proposition 1 perspective. Here's the extended version of this FAQ.

What are we voting on?

$600 million for East Riverside-to-Highland light rail that requires another $325.5 million in City of Austin debt for highway enhancements, $30 million for a regional transit center, and $44 …

Why would a pragmatic progressive that wants to move Austin away from car-dependence oppose an investment in light rail? In brief, because the details of this proposal mean more sprawl and lower transit system ridership. Here is the pro-transit, anti-Proposition 1 perspective to Frequently Asked Questions about this November's bond …

Proposition 1 rail has much higher operating costs than bus-based alternatives, yet it will achieve essentially the same ridership as bus service. This is due to the selection of a route with ridership potential too low to take advantage of rail's economies of scale. As a result, serving East Riverside-Highland …

Advocates for this November's "road and rail" Proposition 1 would like the electorate to believe the proposed light rail segment will achieve success similar to Houston's stellar Red Line. Here are the top 3 reasons why they are wrong and why it matters.

Source: National Transit Database. “UPT” means unlinked …

A homestead exemption based on a fixed percent of home value is a regressive and ineffective affordability policy. It engenders a permanent loss of much-needed revenue for public investments. Spending directly on policies that promote abundant housing supply is an effective, progressive alternative. Said progressive alternative targets the actual problem …