Metro Jacksonville

Community => Transportation, Mass Transit & Infrastructure => Topic started by: Ocklawaha on September 26, 2012, 07:32:26 PM

Title: New Streetcars On The Way...
Post by: Ocklawaha on September 26, 2012, 07:32:26 PM
(http://inlinethumb41.webshots.com/52072/2946047340104969885S600x600Q85.jpg)

Here is the first photo of the new streetcars headed for Toronto. The car came from Bombardier and was routed through the Canadian Pacific Railroad yard. This begs the question, what is going to happen to their older streetcars? re-gauging the wheels to 'standard gauge' and a general rebuild would bring the old ones up to very modern standards. Here's an image of the 'older model.' Wouldn't it be sweet to see a dozen or so of these older cars on the streets of Jacksonville?

(http://inlinethumb45.webshots.com/50092/2709421150104969885S600x600Q85.jpg)
Title: Re: New Streetcars On The Way...
Post by: thelakelander on September 26, 2012, 08:06:43 PM
Sure, it would be nice.  To even head in that direction, we'd have to get the mobility fee moratorium eliminated next month.  Any ideas on how to make that happen?
Title: Re: New Streetcars On The Way...
Post by: Charles Hunter on September 26, 2012, 08:58:20 PM
Has a bill been filed to extend the moratorium?  If not, doing "nothing" is appropriate.
However, rapid mobilization will be necessary if one of the clueless does introduce a bill.  I guess a worst case scenario would be for it to come up as an "emergency" with no chance for debate or for the opposition to organize.  Do we have "ears" on the inside?
Title: Re: New Streetcars On The Way...
Post by: thelakelander on September 26, 2012, 09:41:29 PM
There hasn't been a bill introduced but there's some heavy lifting lobbying going on behind closed doors.  If something does happen, I'd fully expect it to come swift with little chance for major debate to take place. 

If you're promoting an ideology that leaves your already struggling constituents on the long term hook for some major bills with no plan to generate the funding necessary to pay for them, it would be in your best interest to get it through as quick and quiet as possible.