713 To 214

Also, much of NYC's subway is "cut and cover," where the train is running basically right under the street, just below the utilities. This might be a cheaper/more feasible option if Houstonians are determined to go undergorund with their rail system. But again, until Houstonians get off of their duffs and let Tom Delay know that they are not happy with his lack of support for the system, then this conversation is moot. . .because you won't see enough (METRO probably will get something) in the way of federal funding to pay for the cost of expansion underground or elevated. Get used to an "at-grade" line for a while.

^If you've ever met Jordy Tollete, then you probably wouldn't be that surprised.

Well, these guides are primarily located in places where you would find visitors to the Houston Area. (i.e. Hotels, Airports, Convention & Visitors Bureau Offices, etc.) So, they become pretty self-explanitory.

^ If Houston does ever get a subway, it won't be anytime soon (like in the next 15 years) Subways are expensive to build. A subway in Houston will be more expensive than normal due to the engeneering involved in building one below sea level. . . and right now, Tom Delay is trying to makle sure that METRO doesn't much in the way of federal funding to expand its at-grade line, much less an expensive subway line.

I can see it now. . .Ken Lay can play JR Ewing.

4. Most light Rail Accidents in 1 Year 5. Most Light Rail Accidents in 1 month 6. Most Light Rail Accidents in 1 week

No thanks. I don't want Brown on HAIF so that he could foul things up here too.

It's definetly a funding issue. METRO can't afforsd to continue to build light rail without the assistance of federal funds. The 2007 date is just an estimate. If there are any more delays in funding, you can bet that it will be pushed back even further.

I think it started back in the early eighties when "Dallas" was one of the most popular shows on TV. That really seemed to burn Houstonians up to see this show about their "little sister" city to the North come on every week and achieve such national (even international) appeal. Throw in the "Dallas Cowboys'" many Superbowl appearances (and Victories), along with the moniker "America's Team" and a recipe for hatred and envy was created. Consequently, Houstonians feel compelled to show the rest of America (specifically Dallas) why it is a great city TOO. So, some Houstonians hang on to the one glaring fact that gives Houston a "one-up" on Dallas. . .population. Just my opinion on the subject. What does anyone else think?

I think it started back in the early eighties when "Dallas" was one of the most popular shows on TV. That really seemed to burn Houstonians up to see this show about their "little sister" city to the North come on every week and achieve such national (even international) appeal. Throw in the "Dallas Cowboys'" many Super bowl appearances (and Victories), along with the moniker "America's Team" and a recipe for hatred and envy was created. Consequently, Houstonians feel compelled to show the rest of America (specifically Dallas) why it is a great city TOO. So, some Houstonians hang on to the one glaring fact that gives Houston a "one-up" on Dallas. . .population. Just my opinion on the subject. What does anyone else think?

^ME TOO.

No. We don't have to worry about that one. Houston is already Cajunized!

^What's funny to me is that THE FEW people on this forum that "hate" on Dallas obviously keep up with the Dallas board as much, if not more, than they keep up with this forum. . .so for all of you who fit in that category, I have one thing to say. . .Stop Drinking The Haterade!

^Don't let your "Id" take over!

What squatterkid seems to be referring to when he speaks of parks is the lack of parks in and around downtown. Yes, no one can doubt that Hermann is a cool park (went there a lot of Sundays when I was a kid). However, the zoo needs some work. But what squatterkid is saying is that besides Hermann, there are just a few other parks in and around downtown. No one here can deny that Houston doesn't really place parks high on its to-do-list. Just go to your city council meetings (I do) to find this out. and please. . . no more post like this: That's a lot! So, by your own admission, Houston is not this world class/international city that everyone wants to visit. and as for traffic. . . Houstonians don't need tourists for that. . . They've got traffic covered all by themselves!

I think that Houston's a lock for 2009. The city received too much good publicity after this year's Superbowl.

^The 4th and 5th one down remind me of the house on the "Munsters ."

^Yeah, with 16 billion dollars, METRORail would be at Bush and Hobby Airports by 2009. . .oh happy day.

^Yeah, empty-nesters and young professionals should be their target right now. With families, the key word is children. I don't think that many Houstonians with children are ready for children playing on main street and around all of the constructuon projects. . .and then there's the really big issue. . . SCHOOL/EDUCATION. What are the closes "goog\d" schools near downtown? After that then families start thinking about how far to the nearest dry cleaners, grocery store, video rental location, etc.

^This is great for Houston and its economy! This article demonstrates how Delay can secure funds for whatever project(s) he wants. Now, if he will only go to bat for METRORAIL in the same way.

Is the City of Houston offering any TIF incentives to attract more development downtown? I would think that this project would be a no-brainer due to its close proximity to METRORAIL, Main Street retail and Minutemaid Park.

Add an option for NONE, and then I'll vote. The fact that there are 20 options to choose from ought to tell you that HOUSTON NEEDS MORE RAIL, NOT ROADS!!!

Are there enough residents living in the CBD to support a grocery store there?

I totally agree with your points regarding: 1. Sprawl (if METRO started today, it would take 50+ years before Houston is adequately served with rail); and 2. Perception (the longer it takes to get past the "low class ridership" perception, the longer it will take for Houstonians to fully embrace an accelerated expansion of the stater line). btw Lowbrow, I think that Metro's starter line (Reliant to Downtown) was selected as the starter because of its potential appeal (at the time) to Olympic, Superbowl and MLB selection committeees. (links destination points in the center of the city). I will agree with you that it probably wasn't the most practical route if you want to have good ridership numbers.