No Rail (yet) , No Money (left), No Security (not even a whisper)...
This month many have opined on the problems at Capitol Metro. I will not deny that these are large problems, but I will insist that the current management has the skill set to see the agency through this period.
On rail, give them a break, this is the first rail project for this outfit and they will need time to develop a depth of experience. Austin needs to be patient and give them the time to do it well.
On the capital cost of building the rail sucking up the financial reserves, there is some criticism due here. When building infrastructure Capitol Metro leans to the style side rather than utilitarian functionality. One only needs to look at the transit centers to know that architects have far too much involvement in the design. Passengers using these transit centers are not protected from wind or rain. As a bald man I do thank them for the shade provided. However on cold and wet days these are worthless. As such too much was spent on style and the money was really wasted.
Capitol Metro needs to quit going for the style points and look more at what is practical. It would be cheaper and have really be useful.
L~
