Palmer Events Center
MetroRail Night Owl Service?
RECEIVED Mon., July 24, 2006
Dear Editor,
Capital Metro unveiled its MetroRail line this week [“Naked City,” News, July 21]. As a rail-supporting, sometime-bicycling, New Urbanist, music-loving, crunchy-liberal Austinite, I can't help but wonder: Why will the trains only run at rush hour?
The current MetroRail plan serves urban professionals that live or work Downtown. In time, the plan will attract additional development along the line. Great! But, what if you are a night reveler in this town? Will the train serve you?
MetroRail should offer Night Owl Service. Most everyone who has ever headed Downtown for a band, a premiere, a dinner, or even – dare I admit it – gelato, knows nighttime parking is a bitch. It's either $7 a spot, endless circling, or sharing a sloppy road at 2am. With Austin nightlife an honored institution, it seems that those heading to and from Downtown from 9pm to 2am might prove a loyal rider base. I know I'd certainly ride it then.
But don't listen to me. Apparently I live too near the worst block in Austin.
Capital Metro unveiled its MetroRail line this week [“Naked City,” News, July 21]. As a rail-supporting, sometime-bicycling, New Urbanist, music-loving, crunchy-liberal Austinite, I can't help but wonder: Why will the trains only run at rush hour?
The current MetroRail plan serves urban professionals that live or work Downtown. In time, the plan will attract additional development along the line. Great! But, what if you are a night reveler in this town? Will the train serve you?
MetroRail should offer Night Owl Service. Most everyone who has ever headed Downtown for a band, a premiere, a dinner, or even – dare I admit it – gelato, knows nighttime parking is a bitch. It's either $7 a spot, endless circling, or sharing a sloppy road at 2am. With Austin nightlife an honored institution, it seems that those heading to and from Downtown from 9pm to 2am might prove a loyal rider base. I know I'd certainly ride it then.
But don't listen to me. Apparently I live too near the worst block in Austin.
Yours,
Lonny Stern
Rosewood neighbor
Lonny Stern
Rosewood neighbor