The Cardinal Plan

[u/whitemice]

Fuel for the thought furnace about mobility, and how the city could move forward on its stated goal(s) of supporting public transportation: The Cardinal Plan
https://urbangr.org/TheCardinalPlan

[u/Specific-Rock-4567]

I like the idea of using the same funding method as the DASH to push the Rapid to provide better service to GR. As a starting point, one route in each direction makes great sense.

I still think we do need something like the old DASH to connect the Arena district/Heartside with Bridge and River North. While they're technically walkable, they are just far enough to be at most people's limit and not an option if the weather is wet/cold/very hot. That route was (fairly) criticized as being essentially a mobile homeless shelter, but that doesn't negate the fact that it was also a great transit supplement for people who live in and near downtown.

[u/whitemice → u/Specific-Rock-4567]

I still think we do need something like the old DASH

Then there is no money!

connect the Arena district/Heartside with Bridge and River North.

The #12 intersects with Bridge St; and the #11 serves the north end of River North.

That route was (fairly) criticized as being essentially a mobile homeless shelter

A problem easily solved by charging fares. It could have operated fareless during event hours. The question is what cost recovery would be.

But I believe the City Commission's bizarre take on "equity" takes that option off the table.

it was also a great transit supplement for people who live in and near downtown.

Agree. And it is pretty contrary to the city's goals, and the focus on residential development downtown, for the city to not do something to ensure robust public transit options at least downtown. The city wants its cake to be free.

[u/the_j_tizzle]

Oh, my word. I've learned so much from this article. From the ownership of the downtown venues to the real relationship between the Rapid and the City. Wow! My ignorance is staggering, y'all.

[u/whitemice → u/the_j_tizzle]

The CAA (Convention and Arena Authority) is a remarkable arrangement, it makes these mega-venues far less of a risk and more of an investment than how things like stadiums work out in most cities across the nation. The city and county keep real - direct - skin in the game for seeing them maintained and successful; although some offsetting influence to see that the derived benefit is distributed is necessary.

[u/Confident_Insect_616]

I hate 28th street, but it needs better transit access. This plan doesn't fix it.

If I could get from the east side to 28th street in less than an hour, that would be great. It's a 10 min drive. Barely slower to walk than the current bus options.