[Grovenet] The city will be planning for the future of ourtransportation system

[David Morelli]

On Dec 10, 2006, at 10:33 PM, Adam Hampton wrote:

> David,
>             Just curious, what are your thoughts about light rail??
>
>     Adam Hampton

I have generated a variety of possible routes to carry light rail  
between the existing Hillsboro line and several potential terminal  
locations within the city.  Depending upon the initial assumptions I  
find one or two alignments  are more reasonable routes.

Should Forest Grove be connected with Hillsboro by light rail?

Rubber tired transit way systems are less expensive to build and more  
flexible to operate than light rail.

It is unlikely that it would ever pay for itself.

It would certainly be more convenient for Forest Grove residents  
going to the East, and it might increase the traffic visiting Forest  
Grove.  If we had a major tourist attraction that regularly generated  
heavy traffic from the East it might reduce traffic on TV Highway.   
Some people would ride light rail even though they would not ride  
busses.  Forest Grove is a logical "end of the line".  The absence of  
light rail in Forest Grove was one consideration when Pacific  
University moved some of their programs to Hillsboro.

In the event of a prolonged, serious petroleum crisis light rail  
would be impacted less than the alternatives.

As in any situation with a limited budget, money spent in one  
program, reduces money available for other programs.

Should Forest Grove be connected with Hillsboro by light rail?

David