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| Re: The R8 Newtown line is not dead? (826231) | |||
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Re: The R8 Newtown line is not dead? |
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Posted by TransitChuckG on Thu Aug 27 12:19:21 2009, in response to Re: The R8 Newtown line is not dead?, posted by TransitChuckG on Thu Aug 27 12:16:04 2009. Another email.To all: We officially now have active opposition to restoring service on the Newtown Line through Montgomery County, making this a single county project. In order for us to continue this effort, we are going to require a significant amount of support from residents in Abington & Montgomery County to make any progress. I have not informed my contacts in Bucks County Government yet. A few points: 1 – These individuals who oppose the line are the minority. There are more people who live away from the trail and who do not use the trail than those that do. 2- No one has stated or suggested at this point that the trail and railroad could not co-exist. 3- It is most likely these folks do not want the train because the do not want/use/like the train. It is invasive to their way of life. 4- When SEPTA signed the lease with Montco to make the trail, it was done so very quietly. Bucks County had no opportunity to comment on this move. SEPTA is renowned (and usually legally required) to hold public hearings when making significant changes to the system. Surely they were aware that by allowing conversion to a trail, even on a temporary lease, would have permanent ramifications that would jeopardize the ability of this corridor to be used for future transportation purposes. Yet Bucks County and the public had no opportunity to comment or endorse/oppose the move. SEPTA is funded by multiple counties, yet they colluded with Montgomery County to put this trail in, which happened at lightning speed. Yet 2 years earlier, SEPTA denied Bucks County/Upper Southampton from putting a trail on the right of way there, because they wanted to preserve the corridor for future transit use. So why was Bucks County denied, but Montgomery County approved? 5- This trail cost Montgomery County NOTHING. They were paid $200,000 by a recovery company to collect the steel rails, which they happily recycled when steel was trading so high before the economy crashed. A few questions: 1- Is the damage permanent or irreversible? 2- In light of the positive numbers from the 2005 BRT study, why was rail NOT compared (geographic, infrastructure and demographic information were on hand, this should have been a matter of making a few calculations, even if they were only informal estimates)? 3- Can we find enough supporters in Montgomery County who will stand with us to push this project forward? This current situation sounds a lot like back room, closed door deal makings under the leadership of GM Joe Casey, who took the reins in February 2008. However, this should not be viewed as a game changer. We would need to ascertain how willing Bucks County is to re-examine the BRT study with respect to rail, and if they are willing to go it alone. I’m open to suggestions from all. |
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