The secret is out: Jacksonvillians want rail!

[Metro Jacksonville]

The secret is out: Jacksonvillians want rail!



A recent online Times Union questionaire appears to confirm what urbanites have been advocating for years.  Yes, if given the opportunity, we will commute by train.

Full Article
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/content/view/807

[hillary supporter]

continue development of urban core skyway. isnt work to be continued on skyway towards brooklyn this fall. a huge majority of jacksonville has no problem with mass transit. im not saying they advocate it, they just dont have problems with it. as in the article, some will be actively against it. this is where the city needs to make that unpopular decision. and us advocates have to be vocal.

[stephendare]

So Lake, how do we publicly express this sentiment?

Tom, your in Austin..  dont they have a rail there or something?

[stephendare]

I wonder if metrojacksonville would print bumper stickers?  That would be ironic, wouldnt it?

"If I had my choice, Id be using commuter rail!"  on the backs of thousands of car windows?

[thelakelander]

So Lake, how do we publicly express this sentiment?

By continuing to do what we're doing:

A. Keep the local media's attention on the story.  If you hit them over the head with the facts over and over again, they'll get the message.  This method put a halt to the Downtown BRT transit mall plan, revised the parking ordinance and almost got us smart meters downtown.

B. Keep meeting with JTA.  Being oppositional at times has its benefits, but so does meeting behind closed doors.

Tom, your in Austin..  dont they have a rail there or something?

see this thread for more info on what Austin is doing: http://www.metrojacksonville.com/content/view/589/116/

[stephendare]

I wonder if there are public relations campaigns in Austin about their rail that are citizen based?

And dude, what do you think about bumper stickers?

[thelakelander]

I wouldn't put any on my vehicles.  Its nothing against the cause, I just like my automobiles clean and clear.

As for Austin:

Austin Commuter
http://austincommuter.com/index2.html

Austin Citizen's for Personal Rapid Transit
http://www.acprt.org/DocumentOfTheDay.cfm?Item=DOD031019

BicycleAustin.Info
http://bicycleaustin.info/rail/

[stephendare]

I wouldn't put any on my vehicles.  Its nothing against the cause, I just like my automobiles clean and clear.

As for Austin:

Austin Commuter
http://austincommuter.com/index2.html

Austin Citizen's for Personal Rapid Transit
http://www.acprt.org/DocumentOfTheDay.cfm?Item=DOD031019

BicycleAustin.Info
http://bicycleaustin.info/rail/

cool Lake, thanks for the links!

Tom, is there much public sentiment that you can see in Austin on a direct level?

I really like this bumper sticker idea.

Im calling a little shop right now to get prices.

[stephendare]

[stephendare]

any other suggestions?

[Seraphs]

I wonder if metrojacksonville would print bumper stickers?  That would be ironic, wouldnt it?

"If I had my choice, Id be using commuter rail!"  on the backs of thousands of car windows?

Almost never would you find a bumper sticker on my vehicle, I agree with Lake.  However, Stephendare, I think it's an excellent idea and if the bumper sticker was done in good taste I would apply one.  For instance a little 'square deal' sticker that could be applied to the back window.

Imagine motorist stuck in traffic with nothing to gaze at but your commuter rail sticker.  

[stephendare]

[Ocklawaha]

Ocklawaha

Lost on DART somewhere between Plano and
Sage Brush Wells Tx... Looking out for those "indians"

[stephendare]

wow. ock.   hilarious.  but what a way to take it 'there'.

lol.

any other ideas?

[gatorback]

So Lake, how do we publicly express this sentiment?

Tom, your in Austin..  dont they have a rail there or something?

Yes Stephen in a big way.  The people of Austin have voted for and approved a long-range transit plan.

Capital MetroRail is on track for service to begin on the Red Line in the fall of 2008. Sleek, new trains will take you to work in comfort and style, providing you with high-back seats, bicycle and overhead racks, and Wi-Fi connections. Some seating areas will feature tray tables. Capital MetroRail’s initial service will be during morning and afternoon peak hours. Regular and special shuttle buses will whisk you to your final destination.

The Red Line will run on 32-miles of existing freight tracks between Leander and Downtown Austin. It will provide convenient service for suburban and central Austin residents. Future connections are being studied along existing Capital Metro freight tracks from Downtown to Manor and beyond. Future extensions along TxDOT’s abandoned MoKan corridor are also possible.