Traffic Solutions

I was just channel surfing and came across a city council meeting. Their discussion was the new rail system. I started thinking of 4 ideas I wish their discussion would turn towards;

1. create an upper deck that was actually non stop along Loop 360 (imagine a true 'Loop' where it is already named a 'Loop'). This loop would provide 'north south/south north' movement for all cars/trucks and a rail line could be installed at the same time.

2. go back to the owners of the Missouri Pacifc rail line running on boths sides of Loop 1 (another non loop that is named a loop)/MoPac ("mo" coming from Missouri and "Pac" coming from Pacific) and beg to take them up on their earlier offer (years ago) about using that line for a transit system. They offered years ago and nobody followed up on it - so the story goes....i think today there are new owners of this line.

3. round up all urban area Home Owner Associations plus the Historic Commission. Get this entire body of Austin Citizens to agree to allow more flexible terms for business to open up in our historic neighborhoods so urban area residents can walk to a restaurants & other shopping. We don't need to go over the top like Houston, but just a little flexibility in this area could reduce traffic, noice polution, use of gas, allow for some exercise....maybe even allow some duplex construction to assist in the declining elementary school population.

4. talk to the operators of the Zilker Zepher, they seem to know how to run a profitable train (this is borrowed from a radio show I was listening to and a caller who offered this suggestion). Seriously though, make the transit system fun for kids and help get the word out "referral style"