City Council Transportation Committee -

[Steve]

I like the way Metro Jacksonville presented themselves. Job well done !
However, right now it seems like it is Metro Jax against the JTA. Why can't we all work together and implement a system that is going to work for the best of Jacskonville for the next 50 - 100 years (railsystem I would say!)
How do we get JTA on our side instead of making them putting their heels in deeper......

By dumping this crap BRT system .

In all seriousness, anytime JTA has asked to meet with us, we have obliged.   We are sitting on both their BRT and Commuter Rail CAC's.  I can tell you that the consultants that they have hired for the Commuter Rail Study are sharp - no joke.  However, the consultants are simply tied to whatever the study parameters are.  If you hire Thomas Edison, and don't allow him to use filament, electricity, or glass, it's going to be rough for him to make a light bulb.

As far as the consultants for BRT, I can't speak to that.  I've met with Ed Castellani, and I can tell you that I was unimpressed.  He was the one who uttered the "rail is rail" comment.  If that's the case, let's build a maglev to the beach, and be there in 5 mins.

We would be happy to work with JTA, but in gooc consience, we just can't support a system that is literally 10 times the cost of some rail systems, and will take 20 years to implement.

[thelakelander]

We're trying to work together.  JTA has invited us to be apart of their citizens committee and advisory groups and we've accepted them on that offer.  However, there is a gulf between us, as far as route planning and costs go.  This is a plan JTA has been cooking for eight years now and its going to take more than us just sitting at a table with this state agency to get them to seriously reconsider the plan before blowing the BJP money.  That's why we continue to take the fight to the council, mayor's office and general public.  I don't think anyone here hates or has any ill will for our cohorts off Myrtle Street, but sometimes you have to use a little tough love, to show your loved ones the way to the light.

[Beloki]

I support you guys 100%

How do we get this stuff in the Times Union?

[thelakelander]

I support you guys 100%

How do we get this stuff in the Times Union?

The TU had a reporter there today.