Quote:
Originally Posted by BrownTown
No, it won't because there will only be 1/4th as many people in the same area around each station so the cost per rider will essentially be multiplied by 4. Theoretically people could just drive twice as far to each station, but a lot of those commutes wouldn't make any sense as people would have to drive well out of their way which would end up taking far longer.
I mean, just take your argument that density doesn't matter and apply it to a place with 1 person per square mile and you'll clearly see such an area can't support transit. Density is everything when it comes to transit economics.
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Obviously if there is 1 person per square mile, there will not be the catchment population either.
However, if density is one quarter, then people will be travelling 4 times further as well.
My point is that Toronto and Atlanta have similar metro populations therefore more extensive rail service should be possible.
Toronto is proving that rail service does not have to be limited to the urban area.
This is not the same as subway or LRT service with stations every mile or less. We are talking about long distance commuter rail service with stations every 10 miles. Yes, people have to drive a distance to a station but if the roads are congested, then this becomes attractive.
I believe the whole point of this thread is about the impact of a closed expressway, which means greater road congestion. I assume that Atlanta has its share of road congestion even under normal circumstances. At some point, congestion will create a demand for an alternative if it is offered.