DaveKCMO wrote: it would improve reliability, but not operating speeds.
this is no joke.
New Orleans St. Charles is dedicated and it has horrible on time performance. Part of my family that lived a block from the line for a year didn't rely on it to go places that are on the line. It was always delayed to some degree.
pash wrote:OK, so we're not talking about a dedicated right-of-way. I can't imagine it matters much whether the streetcar runs in the inside or outside traffic lane. ...
we could dedicate the space, but it would have to be in the center. there's no law saying you can't put a streetcar in dedicated space. it would improve reliability, but not operating speeds. the trade-off, of course, is mobility for other street users (cars, bikes).
building in the center and mixing with traffic first at least does a better job of keeping cars out of the way and providing a safer environment for bikes.
you could also split the difference and dedicate the space only in certain areas. there really are lots of options other than just copying portland.
Let's just copy portland.
But srsly, I've always thought that dedicated center running from Pershing to roughly Armour then mixed-traffic from Armour to roughly 41st/43rd might be the way to go. Basically mixed-traffic through the narrower (and more pleasantly walkable) stretch of Main. I suppose it is possible that this overly complicates the issue though.
pash wrote:So it still seems to me like there's very little benefit to running in the center versus the curb lanes if you're not going to have a separated, dedicated right-of-way. Neither of the benefits Dave has mentioned seem very compelling.
I was thinking and I thought of why center running gives a benefit and it could become quite compelling in some business districts
Zero parking lane tows, no maximum parking width.
The idea is to improve business access and this plus full time parking could be a good combination.
seriously, people.
you MUST get the word out that people have to get involved and speak out in support of this extension.
stop dicking around and assuming that it's all a done deal.
grovester wrote:So beyond telling everyone we know, what is the best way to contribute? Rallies? Donate to transit PACs? Online badgering of public officials?
1) organize/educate your neighbors that another vote is coming
2) contact your neighborhood association and encourage them to discuss supporting it officially
3) contact your council reps and tell them you want it
DaveKCMO wrote:seriously, people.
you MUST get the word out that people have to get involved and speak out in support of this extension.
stop dicking around and assuming that it's all a done deal.
It's my understanding that it will be a narrow strip along Main St.voting because we will be the only ones contributing property tax funds. Tell everyone you want, if they're not in that small area, they won't have a vote. Me, I will get a vote and don't like paying way more than my fair share. Due to the inequity, it's a no from me.
beautyfromashes wrote:
It's my understanding that it will be a narrow strip along Main St.voting because we will be the only ones contributing property tax funds. Tell everyone you want, if they're not in that small area, they won't have a vote. Me, I will get a vote and don't like paying way more than my fair share. Due to the inequity, it's a no from me.
What do you define as "way more."
I'm seriously interested. Is there a dollar amount you would be ok paying yearly?
Because it's not impossible to find a number people would be ok with and make the size of the district return that based on each properties value in theory
Honestly, I am willing to pay my share. The problem I have is that we are going to add additional tax for my neighbors who cannot afford it, and Brookside and richer neighborhoods get an out even though they will be using the streetcar just as much as I will. This is an amenity for all of midtown and shouldn't just be paid for by a couple blocks on either side of the line in neighborhoods where people have a hard time making ends meet.
beautyfromashes wrote:Honestly, I am willing to pay my share. The problem I have is that we are going to add additional tax for my neighbors who cannot afford it, and Brookside and richer neighborhoods get an out even though they will be using the streetcar just as much as I will. This is an amenity for all of midtown and shouldn't just be paid for by a couple blocks on either side of the line in neighborhoods where people have a hard time making ends meet.
What's the boundary of fair? Quarter mile? Half mile?
A mile seems too far and a few blocks seems too close
Very hard to miss!