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

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

We've got heavy rail tracks that run from the TriMet center in Hillsboro
right into central Forest Grove. A short one-block long section has been
torn up at the Forest Grove end but the right-of-way is still clear. If it
were replaced it would run right up to the Pacific University parking lot.
Even without replacing it the existing rails stop in a vacant field (where a
depot could be located) right next to the shopping center on the east side
of the University. 

Trolleys for heavy rail tracks are readily available such as that used on
the Lake Oswego run. 

How cheap can rail service get and still connect directly to the existing
light rail system?

What a way to boost business for the shopping center there and by providing
a focus for local travel next to them. And the University students would
have ready, easy access to transport without needing cars. 

Ron D'Eau Claire 



-----Original Message-----
From: grovenet-bounces at rdrop.com [mailto:grovenet-bounces at rdrop.com] On
Behalf Of Adam Hampton
Sent: Sunday, December 10, 2006 11:20 PM
To: Forest Grove local interests list
Subject: Re: [Grovenet] The city will be planning for the future
ofourtransportation system


David,
            Light rail looks (initially) like a great idea, but how much 
would
it cost per mile to build it out to Forest Grove?
    Maybe we could have a 'retro' horse-drawn rail car--for starters.

    Adam Hampton
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "David Morelli" <jo.david at verizon.net>
To: "Forest Grove local interests list" <grovenet at rdrop.com>
Sent: Sunday, December 10, 2006 10:50 PM
Subject: Re: [Grovenet] The city will be planning for the future of 
ourtransportation system


>
> 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
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