For rail supporters in Jacksonville, who aren't involved in politics or have serious local rail knowledge, what is the TRUE status of the metro's position?
Hasn't there been a study or studies? BS, real progress, a great start? Everybody does that level of consideration... no biggie?
The true prospects of a downtown station?
There will never be sufficient political support or it's turning more positive every day?
These may require interpretative answers...but asked from my point of view as in the opening sentence...my friends can only be described as supportive but apathetic...how many people might feel similarly? They are needed...
The reality of the situation is it boils down to this. Supportive but apathetic gets you no where. There are enough policies in place, studies underway and even an approved local funding source available to get fixed transit incrementally moving forward. The same goes for bike/ped. However, instead of being apathetic, bike/ped advocates come out in force and promote their causes. This was clearly evident during the mobility fee moratorium debate. As a result, council clearly knows where they stand and their passion. You can bet your bottom dollar we'll see policies changed and better funding for bike/ped sooner, rather than later.
We advocates of good transit and land use have made ourselves one of the squeaky wheels. It is a big change.