Light-Rail Plan Is Picking Up Speed
Published Mar 05, 2009
With concerns over volatile oil prices and an increased ecological consciousness, San Antonio voters may just be ready to approve a plan for light-rail transportation in the region. Although a similar proposal was rejected several years ago, backers of the plan think the time may now be right.
Officials in San Antonio are making the push for light rail, with part of the plan involving use of existing freight lines.
Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff is a supporter of the initiative, but says that light rail must be tied to a more comprehensive plan that blends public transportation and necessary road improvements.
“Nationwide, ridership for public transportation continues to grow,” Wolff says. “A good, first-class public transportation plan is multimodal. San Antonio is the only large American city that hasn’t addressed wide transportation issues.”
San Antonio is making an effort to redevelop parts of its urban core with several ongoing projects and transit plays a role in those efforts. Cities such as Portland, Salt Lake City, Dallas and Denver have done well with their light rail systems.
Salt Lake City worked with Union Pacific on its plan, which is similar to the one being considered in San Antonio.
“Light rail has a great appeal to the general public,” Wolff says. “It’s viewed as an upgraded public transportation system; one that provides economic development opportunities.”
Story by Claire Ratliff-Sears
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