The initial ridership and cost estimates are in for the proposed Grove-Highland Rail (GHR) route. And they are thoroughly disappointing. Simply put, GHR will consume an enormous amount of our transit borrowing capacity without providing mobility at a meaningfully lower rider subsidy than regular bus service.
Previously, I’ve argued …
[MORE]Given the underwhelming ridership and cost figures estimated for the Grove to Highland rail proposal, some proponents are deploying a "political" argument on behalf of the route. Below is a real-world specimen that captures the main points of the political argument:
Let’s address these points individually.
1. “Unique consensus …
[MORE]I sent the following note to all Council Members earlier today.
"Dear Council Members,
As of this morning, Project Connect has not publicly released the methodology or source data for the ridership and cost estimates behind its LPA recommendation.
These have been repeatedly requested by many advocates, including myself.
The …
[MORE]This week, the Project Connect staff and consultants are starting to put the finishing touches on their mode and alignment recommendation to the Mayor’s Central Corridor Advisory Group (CCAG). CCAG will then stamp some version of that recommendation with its approval (the final vote will likely be on Friday …
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Courtesy of UPKNYCThe Austin City Council is considering spending an unexpected $14 million surplus in a so-called 'midyear budget adjustment'. This is similar to their allocation of $10 million for affordable housing last year. This time, if we are going to spend it, it should be invested in creating …
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