I started reading this site to see what people were saying about the Grandview Yard project, but I've been even more interested see what everyone has to say about streetcars.
I'd like to see improved public transportation in Columbus. I say that as someone that uses COTA for my daily commute. Steetcars kind of sound cooler, but for the expense of putting tracks down, it doesn't seem like it makes sense to put them on the same road that cars and buses are already taking (blocking).
One of the arguments in favor of streetcars that seemed fairly good was that tracks would attract investment along the path of the streetcar. But I wonder if some combination of bus improvements could achieve a similar result? My first thought would be more sheltered bus stops and video screens that display up to the minute bus information.
None of the other pro-streetcar arguments were as appealing as that one to me. But am I incorrect in my thinking that streetcars would be as stuck in traffic as anything else on the road?
I would like to see rail transit that was off the road. I've seen the argument that streetcars are a good stepping stone to that goal, but my first thought would be that they seem unlikely to be a huge hit, and as such would probably only slow down other transit projects.
I obviously don't have anything like facts backing up anything I'm saying, so I'll be happy to read whatever anyone else has to say.






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