I've been trying and failing to write a longform piece about my feelings on #ProjectConnect so maybe I'll just make a few tweets here.... 2/?
1. It's so exciting that everyone agrees we must give transit dedicated pathways. Advocates need to support this idea, full stop. Even if it means cutting a "through lane" here or there.
2. I never imagined we'd be seriously talking about significant grade separated elements downtown. That's exciting, but I'm watching the overall package. A tiny "starter segment" doesn't seem to capture the mood of the 2020 electorate.
This is an equity issue too. We need to make sure we are serving diverse communities with our highest quality transit.
We need a transit package that induces mode shift and makes sure people can safely navigate to transit on foot, wheelchair, bike, or (gasp!) scooter.
The Austin Strategic Mobility Plan is overall a good document. It has so many sub-goals that I become fearful about meeting what to me is the prime directive: mode shift. Allowing the folks the freedom of transit.
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This is **so** not my normal scene but I'm at this @AustinChamber event on transportation. I usually struggle to live tweet but will try. Hoping to hear good news re: #ProjectConnect
There are a lot of speakers.
Chamber board chair: our biggest challenge is I-35. We need a safe, reliable I-35 that keeps people and commerce moving. This means we need 2 variable, tolled, managed lanes each direction.