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Do we really have that many people that work downtown to justify that type rail expense? I realize Austin is growing at a ridiculous rate but downtown Austin is pretty small compared to the Chicago, NYC & LA's of the world. Also, isn't Austin the 4th/5th largest in Texas?
I saw a comment about people viewing public transportation being for poor people. I housed my brother years back when I lived in the arboretum area. He didn't have a vehicle so he used the bus route and the routes were ridiculous IMO. The time spent waiting along with the multiple stops would make it worth driving if one had the ability to do so.
you need population density and employment density to achieve a ridership that is worthwhile.
most studies say you need a population density around 10,000 people per square mile.
Austin's is about 3,300 ppl/sq mi. I'm not sure on the job density.
the issue is that driverless cars and buses will be available well before Austin ever hits a meaningful population density to raise ridership to levels that matter.
Austin is certainly better off in creating a unified central business district due to zoning unlike Houston. But, there is still too much unincorporated land and other nearby cities that businesses will build in rather than pay high cost lease space of downtown.