Palmer Events Center
Differences Between Denver and Austin
RECEIVED Thu., July 2, 2009
Dear Editor,
Some key differences between Austin and Denver that Katherine Gregor left out in her story [“Developing Stories: Learning From Denver,” News, July 3]: 1) Denver built light rail, not commuter rail, and 2) Denver's starter system took passengers directly to major activity centers without requiring transfers.
You don't get transit-oriented districts around a rail line that makes everybody transfer to a shuttle bus to get to, say, UT or the Capitol or most of Downtown. (Hello, Tri-Rail in South Florida!) Without good "T,” in other words, you don't really get TOD; you just get higher-density car-dependent development.
Some key differences between Austin and Denver that Katherine Gregor left out in her story [“Developing Stories: Learning From Denver,” News, July 3]: 1) Denver built light rail, not commuter rail, and 2) Denver's starter system took passengers directly to major activity centers without requiring transfers.
You don't get transit-oriented districts around a rail line that makes everybody transfer to a shuttle bus to get to, say, UT or the Capitol or most of Downtown. (Hello, Tri-Rail in South Florida!) Without good "T,” in other words, you don't really get TOD; you just get higher-density car-dependent development.
Mike Dahmus
[Katherine Gregor responds: Denver's light-rail system began with five lines and 30 stations, linking downtown with the central city and some close-in regional commuters. FasTracks is a 12-year comprehensive plan now under way to add 122 miles of new light rail and commuter rail, 18 miles of bus rapid transit service, and 57 new transit stations.]