"According to CAMPO figures, in 2001 the price of gas was 89¢ a gallon. Today, it is $3.57 a gallon. So, the question is whether we want to pursue a roads-only future or diversify our transportation system."austin's transportation future
rail in austin home
Gas prices have quadrupled since 2001, and they are headed to $4 a gallon. Rail transit can provide part of the solution in a comprehensive transportation system.
Gasoline was 89¢ a gallon in 2001 (according to CAMPO). Now, gas costs $3.57 a gallon and is headed to $4 a gallon. This means the price to fill your tank has quadrupled in seven years. Most Austinites have not seen their salaries quadruple during this period. This is particularly true for people on fixed incomes.
Rail can also provide an affordable alternative to $4 a gallon gas. In fact, if you commute by rail, your cost to commute can be considerably less than if you travel alone in your car.
Different transportation systems solve different problems. Rail is good at efficiently carrying large numbers of people to high volume destinations. Examples in Austin include the University of Texas (which with 67,000 students, faculty and staff is the largest daily destination in the region), the State Capitol office complex (the largest employer in the region), the Long Center (over 200 performances a year) and Austin Bergstrom Airport.
Rail doesn't solve all of Austin's many transportation problems, but it can make an important contribution to a comprehensive multi-modal transportation system.