What light rail will do for Detroit

[Alex Martin]

I didn't know you were a psychologist

Hey, there are places I go that are safe and enjoyable. And where I can interact with people face to face.

[fryar]

..........

[DetroitDad]

I didn't know you were a psychologist

Hey, there are places I go that are safe and enjoyable. And where I can interact with people face to face.

Got it! You must be a painter to paint a picture, I'll try to remember that for next time.

[Eric_c]

Touching on a few points of discussion...

I believe that practical, efficient mass transit throughout Metro-Detroit would enhance the current state of the region, PROVIDED the system's right-of-ways are conceived from the onset as development engines for new urban commuter corridors. A Detroit-area rapid transit system, with few exceptions, would not necessarily do well to try to mimic current auto routes. Instead, residents and community leaders would be wise to view the development of such a system as a way to promote brand-new economic development in under-utilized areas throughout the region. Public and private investment in a properly planned and executed network of transit AND appropriate zoning could credibly enhance Southeastern Michigan's economy by creating opportunities for private investment in areas where there are currently, seemingly few.

I see the return of streetcars to Woodward Avenue as the initial step toward the realization of a true regional transit system and the development of urban commuter corridors. Woodward stands out as the most logical place to institute such a line as it lends itself almost immediately to transits' highest and best use. At once, the urban density of the corridor combined with the current level of disinvestment indicates that a strategy of public/private commitment to attract more private capital to the area would yield the greatest potential return.

In the form of a dedicated streetcar line, even if initially limited to between Jefferson Avenue and the Boulevard, this public commitment would increase the value of property throughout the corridor. A transit line would promote in-fill and spin-off developments, increase the desirability of the route as a place to live and conduct business, as well as provide a practical means of commuting [[even if only initially) between Downtown, Midtown and New Center.

It is my contention that traditional streetcars are the mode of transportation best suited to Woodward Avenue and the other radials, particularly in the CBD. Streetcars would be ideal along these routes because the overall scale of the street allows for their efficient function. I certainly don't advocate 75-mile-per-hour vehicles - especially between Downtown and New Center. By the same token, I wouldn't consider old-fashioned streetcars on Big Beaver or Wayne Roads, either! Streetcars offer affordable, comfortable, quiet transportation along a permanent route. Stops do not need to be elaborate structures, and wheelchair access is not a problem on modern vehicles.

The metro area will have some type of improved transit sooner or later, but I also believe that the area has sprawled out too far from the core to make any ONE model practical on a regional level. Regardless, we would be best served by building a permanent system that keeps as it's purpose the stabilization of existing areas and the sensible pioneering of new growth in previously-undeveloped or less-desireable sections of the metro. A Woodward streetcar line, as an example, is a great starting point in promoting both.

[Hypestyles]

there was a big meeting today at the Detroit Main Library on Woodward; there were two sessions, one starting at 11 am and another starting around 4 pm, I went to the one that morning... there was a series of posterboards in the main lobby detailing various aspects of the building plans.. in the auditorium in the basement, the formal presentation was made about the environmental impact study and related issues.. then after that public comments were taken for a little over an hour.. most were supportive of the light rail development.. some were openly skeptical comparing it to announcements about the Casinos or the Grand Prix and alleged touting of economic rebound for residents.. some mentioned federal monies would be better spent on neighborhood beautification and/or housing rehab..
..Those who were supportive of the light rail development called for contractual language that protects residents from the gentrification.. others called for urban residents to get the priority for construction jobs and other positions generated by the rail.. some debated the median vs. curbside design plans, also whether street-embedded rail lines were the best bet vs. elevated rail.. the idea was raised to incentivize detroit-based manufacturing of the rail cars, tracks and other infrastructure..

[killthebeer]

street cars. I'd support the sort of slapped together stuff you see in Cuba and other places, too. In fact, encourage it. Heck of a lot cheaper to pull and old bus back end with a truck, for a few thousand dollars, than spend billions on light rail that is never going to get paid for.

we all need to slow our roll, or all these reasons for going green won't matter, because GHGs will have messed things up too badly.

[stasu1213]

We need to improve on the services that we have now. Make sure that passengers feel safe while riding the transportation services that the city/suburbs have and encourage transportation ridership while saving gas and wear/tear in prvately owned vehicals. Doing those steps will develop and transit mindset in Detroit instead of a car mindset.

[BrushStart]

We need to improve on the services that we have now. Make sure that passengers feel safe while riding the transportation services that the city/suburbs have and encourage transportation ridership while saving gas and wear/tear in prvately owned vehicals. Doing those steps will develop and transit mindset in Detroit instead of a car mindset.

You can't develop a "transit mindset" when you don't have mass transit. Outside of showing 4.5 million people a slide show of average New Yorkers using the Subway, there's no way to convince people it's worthwhile other than building a worthwhile system. Simply improving our lousy ass bus system and hoping that a few people actually notice would barely be a half-measure.

[DetroitDad]

No, those days are over. It's not "take out your pocketbooks", it's "role up your sleeves". they need you to show them how you got your pocketbook. Teach, work, sweat That's the real go.

"open your pocket" is all the suburbs hear when Detroit has another great idea.