Quote:
Originally Posted by Wizened Variations
My impression, based on current ridership is that no new bus routes, and, certainly no shuttles, etc., are needed.
Ironically, the extremely rich CC is in a horrible place to put in much more than a few dedicated buses.
My thought on steel rail: maybe a 'cute' orphan trolley loop with heritage cars that serves no commuter need.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bunt_q
I think this is accurate.
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I'm not so sure. Rich people living in mansions are not the only people in Cherry Creek. I see 5 basic demographics:
Code:
DEMOGRAPHIC TRANSIT RIDERSHIP GROWTH POTENTIAL
1. Rich mansion dwellers Virtually none.
2. Retail workers Probably most of current transit ridership.
Unlikely to support more than basic buses.
3. Shoppers Limited but non-zero potential. Urbanites
would use better transit from downtown, but
suburbanites will always drive.
4. Apartment dwellers Potentially every bit as high as downtown
apartment dwellers
5. Office workers Potentially almost as high as downtown
office workers
I agree there's little to zero growth potential in demographics 1 or 2, and limited growth potential in demographic 3. But demographics 4 and 5 are potentially huge. If Cherry Creek continues to grow into a 2nd urban downtown, those are the demographics that better transit can and absolutely should serve.
Bunt is fond of saying that downtown is a playground for the rich. So how is Cherry Creek any different? The answer is it's different because it's smaller; there are fewer office workers and fewer apartment dwellers. But Cherry Creek is growing rapidly. Eventually there will be an urban critical mass there. We shouldn't ignore it because the small number of people who live in Country Club mansions are wealthy.