Their preferred options, naturally, appear to involve either light rail or what they laughingly refer to as a "rapid streetcar" line. But, careful not to show their hand too soon, they also include two bus options. Of course, nobody's really made up their minds (nudge, nudge). It is, after all, early in the planning stage, and they're still trying to devise a way to ram a light rail line into Tigard and Tualatin. They've got a lot on their plate.
Not one of the local broadcast or print media have reported any of this, as you might imagine; only rail advocates seem to be in the loop at present, and they're not inclined to widely disseminate the current state of rail planning in the SE corridors. What's interesting is that Tri-Met is so far underwater financially that entertaining further rail expansion is nothing short of ludicrous. They can't afford to pay for operating what they've already got.MaxRedline: Metro/Tri-Met Scheme On
They were talking BRT through here, last I heard.
ReplyDeleteHB
The mention of BRT is just because the feds require an "alternative" analysis. We all know Metro and TriMet are going to push for light rail as hard as they can.
ReplyDeleteI'm pretty sure light rail is not being considered for this corridor. For starters, there is not that much width on the inner sections of either Division or (unless ODOT allows lanes to be removed) Powell.
ReplyDeleteUntil Metro and TriMet say it is absolutely, positively NOT being considered, AND there is a contract that is signed by the entire Metro and TriMet Boards that say so, AND there is a clause that throws all of them in jail for violating the contract...
ReplyDeleteLIGHT RAIL IS ABSOLUTELY BEING CONSIDERED. Maybe not overtly, but you are lying if you are claiming it is not being considered. Metro and TriMet ALWAYS consider light rail.
Please show me where in the documentation it says that light rail is being considered on par or above with bus options. Your proposed contract is unnecessary, unrealistic (I don't think a contract can dictate jail time), and not a good use of effort.
ReplyDeleteErik understand TriMet better than any of the apologists who post on this blog.
ReplyDeleteWell bookmark this post, and we'll see you back in a few years. I don't think anyone is planning on LRT for this corridor. Everyone has been talking about BRT.
ReplyDeleteLRT was considered, and then it was thrown in the trash because of cost -- the streets are not wide enough and there is so much development along Powell & Division that cost would be prohibitive to expand the street.
ReplyDeleteWe all know Metro and TriMet are going to push for light rail as hard as they can.
ReplyDeleteWrong again, Erik.