GREEN LINE LIGHT RAIL OPENS on-time and under budget

[Ocklawaha]

Don't worry Jacksonville JTA STILL HAS BRT in it's Federal Applications... "A BILLION DOLLAR BUS --- BRT JUST LIKE RAIL - ONLY CHEAPER!"  The nightmare that just won't go away!(see page 94 - COJ Transportation plan http://jta-tigergrant.com/Support%20Studies/Downtown%20Development%20and%20Initiatives/3.%20%20COJ%20Comp%20Plan%20Transporation%20Element.pdf)

JTA considering bus-only lanes downtown
The project would speed ride times, and ease traffic congestion.
Posted: December 18, 2009 - 12:27pm

BUSES OR RAIL?

Are you a bus backer or a commuter rail enthusiast? Let JTA know what you think by calling (904) 630-3181 or by e-mailing the people below.


Michael Blaylock, JTA executive director

miblaylock@jtafla.com


James Boyle, JTA regional transportation planner

jaboyle@jtafla.com

By Larry Hannan

Bus-only lanes similar to those now on Blanding Boulevard on Jacksonville’s Westside will be coming to downtown within the next two years.

The Jacksonville Transportation Authority is moving forward with plans for bus-only lanes on downtown roads, a $12 million project that is the first phase of a long-term plan designed to create the lanes throughout Jacksonville.
SOURCE: http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2009-12-18/story/jta_considering_bus_only_lanes_downtown?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+JacksonvillecomTraffic+%28Jacksonville.com%3A+Traffic%29

DART GREEN LINE EXPANSION

The Green Line Changes Everything

Completion of the Green Line extends our regional light rail network to 72 miles and creates new destinations and opportunities while linking southeast Dallas to Farmers Branch and Carrollton. More than ever North Texans have real choices about where they live, work and play.

This 28 mile, $1.8 billion project will connect communities far and wide, bringing public transportation to more people in more places. It is a clean air solution for the citizens of Pleasant Grove, Dallas, Farmers Branch and Carrollton that is expected to reduce pollutant emissions by more than 320 tons per year.

It's also providing a boost to the local economy. Looking at the big picture, the DART Rail System is responsible for $7 billion in current, planned and projected transit-oriented development. The Green Line expansion plays a part in this and includes large and visible projects such as Ambrose at Baylor University Medical Center Station and Cityville at Southwestern Medical District/Parkland Station.

Where is the Green Line taking DFW? The answer cannot be measured by physical distance alone. Rather, the line's impact will be seen in the region's improved mobility and air quality, the bolstered economy and the overall quality of life.

Get ready, North Texas. The future is now.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 09, 2010

Dallas' Green Line light rail enters service on time, under budget

In addition to local funding provided by the one-percent sales tax collected in DART’s 13 cities, major funding for the Green Line came from a $700-million Full Funding Grant Agreement from the FTA. Photo courtesy DART.

Dallas Area Rapid Transit's (DART) 28-mile, 20-station, $1.8 billion Green Line was completed on schedule and under budget on December 6, when it opened 24 miles and 15 stations, creating new light rail connections for customers from southeast Dallas to the cities of Farmers Branch and Carrollton in the northwest.

This is the longest single-day opening of electric light rail in the United States since 1990.

The first section of the Green Line opened September 2009 and connects Pearl Station on the east side of Downtown Dallas to MLK Jr. Station on the west side of Fair Park.

“The Green Line changes everything for our customers,” DART President/Executive Director Gary Thomas said. “Customers living in Pleasant Grove now have seamless access to jobs at Baylor, Downtown Dallas, the Market District, UT Southwestern/Parkland, Love Field and Farmers Branch and Carrollton. Business owners all along the corridor can connect with new customers and new pools of prospective employees.”

Federal officials, including Federal Transportation Administrator Peter Rogoff, were on hand at a special grand opening celebration. “DART continues to demonstrate visionary leadership for transit,” Rogoff said. “The opening of the Green Line will be a true game-changer in Dallas, connecting people and places like never before.”

In addition to local funding provided by the one-percent sales tax collected in DART’s 13 cities, major funding for the Green Line came from a $700-million Full Funding Grant Agreement (FFGA) from the FTA. The FFGA was awarded in July 2006 at the start of construction. Construction was bolstered by the receipt of $78.4 million in funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) in mid-2009. They are part of DART’s FFGA.

Lake Highlands Station, DART’s first infill station, also opened December 6. The station is located on the Blue Line in northeast Dallas between White Rock and LBJ/Skillman stations. This station was originally approved by the DART Board as part of the rail extension to Garland, but was deferred until warranted by new development and corresponding higher ridership.

Lake Highlands Station is being incorporated into the overall site design of the adjacent Lake Highlands Town Center development. The station will include areas for bus transfers and passenger drop-off. Sidewalks, trails and streets in the Town Center are being planned to provide linkages to and from the station.

The DART Rail Orange Line will branch from the Green Line at Bachman Station to serve Irving and Las Colinas in 2012 and ultimately DFW Airport. Service also will be extended from Garland to Rowlett in 2012. DART’s current expansion programs will grow the DART Rail System to 90 miles. Planning also continues for a Blue Line extension from Ledbetter Station to the UNT Dallas campus as well as a second light rail alignment through Downtown Dallas.

Customers of the Denton County Transportation Authority (DCTA) who have been riding an express bus to Downtown Dallas will be able to transfer to the Green Line at Trinity Mills Station. The DCTA’s A-Train is scheduled to open in summer 2011.

OCKLAWAHA

[wsansewjs]

I just threw up inside.

-Josh