Reliable Public Transportation for Austin? Yes, Please!

As someone who rolls around town in her Grandmother’s hand-me-down, 1989 Cadillac Deville (which most likely guzzles gas at the rate of a Hummer, and costs at least $50 to fill up) I found common ground with Johnson Nguyen’s May 1, 2012 blog post in favor of the installation of an Urban Rail system in Central Austin.  Similarly to Mr. Nguyen’s fuel costs, my Caddy sucks up around $200 per month, and I would welcome the opportunity to shed that bill through utilization of the Urban Rail’s free pass for students.  I also agree with Mr. Nguyen’s argument that, since the Urban Rail would link to stops on the University of Texas Campus, it could reduce the heavy burden of Austin traffic at peak travel times, and potentially make the commutes of those who do opt to drive more convenient and safe.  Mr. Nguyen’s proposal advocating access to the Urban Rail around bar closing time on the weekends was another excellent point.  Had one too many on East 6^th Street, but, not willing to spring for the cost of a cab?  Why, just hop on the train, save yourself some cash, and relieve the community of the possibly deadly travesty of alcohol infused driving.  With the benefits of lower fuel expenditures, less traffic, and fewer intoxicated drivers, the Urban Rail appears to be an excellent solution to several key dilemmas plaguing Austin’s residents.