Originally Posted by Platy
I was a bike commuter in Dallas for most of 1981-82. Lived in University Park near SMU, worked in Farmers Branch, and went to graduate school at UTD. Married with children, wife had a car. Cycled about 33 miles a day. Never rode the bus. It worked and it was glorious.
I've visited Dallas a few times since I moved away in 1983. They now have by far the best light rail system in Texas and the bus system seemed to me to be quite adequate. Dallas could work okay for a person who is able to select their residence and job with an eye to being carfree.
Houston, well, ah, hmm. That's a head scratcher for me. They have the start of what could someday be a great light rail system, and they do have a bus system. But where Dallas seems committed to making public transit work, Houston just does not buy into the idea of alternative transportation.
We're starting to make some headway around here. Metro just released updated plans for rail expansion, including commuter rail to the 'burbs. At least the city is beginning to head in the right direction.
People are just so connected with their cars in this city, it's going to take a while to show them a different, more effecient mode.