It looks like the whole CivicSpace world is in a time warp . . . just like the John Locke Foundation.

Of course, NC already has the second longest road system, behind only Texas, which is much bigger.

So are one of the liberal think tanks going to put out a report that says the opposite any time soon? (Ie, mass transit is the answer, etc.)

I think the JLF is running scared because the TTA might just have a market-based solution to funding.

Triangle Transit Authority is close to signing a partnership deal with a developer to oversee commercial and residential projects at its 12 rail stops. The deal could provide enough funding to get the rail line rolling.

Honestly more lanes on I-40 and Raleigh main streets would help relieve congestion.

However that being said mass rail in the Triangle would be the largest boon to this area since...well ever.
A successful speedy mass transit system, rail busing park and ride, would increase inter-city traffic and appearance to other businesses looking to relocate.

Seriously how can you not want mass transit/rail in the Triangle? DO you hate America that much?

Our children need to know that some people fought back, when others collaborated.

That's the biggest hole in the report - where's the money coming from? Virtually all of the things in the 'report' are already included in the 2030 Long Range Transportation Plans for DCHC (Durham/Chapel Hill) and CAMPO (Raleigh) planning organizations. Problem is, there's lots more projects than there is funding to pay for them. I guess the John Locke Foundation will be stepping up and proposing a tax increase to pay for all these fancy new roads (NOT).

And by the way, where exactly are I-70 and I-64?

building a "rail" type line, instead of trains, small cars (like personal pods) could use these. There would be entrance and exit ramps, but once you come on the "rail" system, you are hooked to other people in their pods to make a train. You could input via a computer link in your pod where you want to go/get off, and the rail line would control your movement till you get to your exit.

This way, everyone could have their own vehicle, not rely on public transit, yet while they are locked into the "train", you are not using energy, instead the rail line moves you along.

Was thinking the magnet thing like at Disney, but probably would interfer with computer...However, I would bet the great minds of auto manufacturers working could come up with some kind of "people mover".

And speaking of TX, they want to put more giant roads through our state to alleviate the problems of the other roads. The 1st project is routed from Laredo through to Oklahoma traveling through East Texas called the Trans Texas Corridor www.keeptexasmoving.org . The road is slated to be 1200 feet wide, with seperate truck lanes, as well as rail lines down the center, essentially destroying farm land and small towns. It will also be limited access. So guess what? That means nobody will be using it unless theyre going from Mexico to Oklahoma (which really means Canada since this is supposed to be part of a NAFTA super highway). Oh yeah, and it's going to be a privately held toll road, with the money going to some consortium in Spain more than likely. (They're already doing this with tolls on Hwy 121 in North Dallas as of Sept 1)

The TX DOT has held public forums so you may vent your frustrations. They also have a nifty presentation for you to watch that tells you that this road will take traffic off of I-35 and people wont die. I kid you not.

Check out the opposition's website www.corridorwatch.org

From Deep In The Heart Of Texas

Don't forget that asphalt costs have gone up 30% this year and will continue to rise along with the cost of gas for road building crews. So, the funding DOT got to pay for the TIP projects is already set, but now all the roads cost more, which means there will be less actual construction done. Soon, concrete will be the way to go with its longer live, lower repair rate, and the increase in asphalt prices.