The Chicago Tribune reports;
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/ct-met-transportation-poll-20100724,0,2153627.story
"Reflecting the increasing strain of gridlocked traffic, a majority of Chicago-area residents think improving bus and train service is so important to the region that repairing and expanding expressways and toll roads should take a back seat, a Tribune/WGN poll shows."
Wow, a large metro area now says transit spending should be the priority. So what doth Jacksonville say? Is it important enough......yet?
This article was the front page story of the Chicago Tribune today.
(http://www.chicagotribune.com/media/graphic/2010-07/55143754.jpg)
public involvement here showed similar trends (although suburban areas were not as vocal in support of transit).
But like here, I'm willing to bet that the Chicago metro. area will still spend more money on road projects than transit projects over the next 25 years
So when does it become time to listen to the public locally?
^I guess my point is that the public has already told our leaders what we want, through the venues our officials have set up to allow us to express our opinion. Now stop making excuses and give it to us.
Quote from: thelakelander on July 26, 2010, 08:27:42 AM
So when does it become time to listen to the public locally?
Chicago's poll was random and probably statistically valid...the easy excuse here (which sadly might be true) is that only a minority spoke up....and those that did were most interested in transit
There's only one true way to find out. Implement a starter line. Either the majority will cry foul to make sure it's never started/expanded (JTA's Skyway/BRT experience) or beg for more (ex. Salt Lake City, Charlotte's LRT experience).
North Florida TPO also did a statistically valid poll of Clay, Duval, Nassau and St. Johns County residents in 2008. Interest in transit has definitely increased, but results show mixed views that exist in our region:
Most important transportation issues to be addressed:
• Need a bigger/better bus system or more mass transit in general (33%)
• Relieve traffic congestion (21%)
• Expand/improve roads (15%)
• Alleviate road construction issues (12%)
Best long-term solution to reducing traffic:
• Improving mass transit (30%)
• Building new roads (28%)
• Developing communities where people don’t have to drive so much (26%)
Commuting Decision â€" most respondents:
• Decide where to live based on the quality of schools and the amount of space between houses.
• Get to work by driving alone with an average commute time of 24 minutes and find traffic free flowing and rarely congested or usually at the speed limit.
• Felt their current commute time was acceptable and that a commute time of up to 30 minutes would be acceptable.
• Changed driving habits when gas price reached over $3/gallon with most frequent change of driving less/combine trips.
• Would be very willing to work from home, as opposed to carpool, take mass transit or change their work hours in response to higher gas prices.