Originally Posted by
dobber
Rail systems would be nice, problem is the majority of the population would now have to drive to the station. And you've got to lay those rails, and build the infrastructure, in already built up regions. It's a problem with no easy solution.
Yes, if you designed it that way. It's not the way it has to be though.
A town in my state, Charlotte, is putting in a light rail that parallels a major road and run into downtown. Last I checked, the rail wasn't even running yet, and medium density housing is sprouting up all along the line - and it was zoned purposely to require this. They have effectively created an urban infill zone that will place a great many people in close proximity to shopping, transportation and a short ride from their jobs.
No, it doesn't help the people who already live 20 miles outside of city-center - but if you keep waiting around for a solution that will help everyone, you get absolutely nothing. Of course, the self-obsession of many voters will make it very hard to get funding for limited-area projects.