[milwaukee-electric] Re: Vote in this poll on commuter rail:

[Don L. Leistikow]

Y Marti and list:  Transit Engineers know that the quantity of ridership
is not the only measure of value to the construction of electric
railways.  Then, there is the variable of what is constructed, a street
railway, light rail line or commuter rail.      

What is well known, is that motor coach (buses) do not attract the
ridership, nor the inherent value to the neighborhoods which they
traverse.  The inherent value is the renewal of commercial businesses
that will locate on a rail line but, would not do so on motor coach
lines.  This application of the 'rule of thumb' is accurate with any of
the above three forms of electric railway operations.           

The example set forth by Kenosha's circular Civic Center loop, has
attracted the construction of housing and does touch the Metra Commuter
line on the west end.  Other than demonstrating the economics of and the
clean air contribution to the atmosphere, it has not generated strong
ridership due to its limited route and hours of service.             

The extension of the lline that will break the ring, will be designed to
operate into the uptown area and thus serve as the first step into
commercial and private home neighborhoods as a point to point
transportation service.  So, the inherent value to the Community at
large, is the increased interest in development of commerce and the
attraction of developers to build Condominiums and Apartment structures
that will enhance the property tax structure to the community.    

This doesn't happen along a motor coach line as, the mere operation of a
motor coach line will disappear if sufficient ridership is not present.
Milwaukee's shrinking motor coach routes are a clear indication of that
theorm.  Actually, Milwaukee County's persistant resistance to any form
of electric railway operation, is stifling the Central Business District
concept and, if allowed to continue, will surely result in the City
becoming nothing more than Bedroom Community to the advancing Chicago
and North Shore continuing expansion.                                

The City of Milwaukee does not need a replica of Kenosha's loop.  C of M
needs a point to point line that will serve not only the City and/or the
County but, a line that will serve the Metro area at large.  This should
be the construction of an LRT line which would serve the C of M
CBDistrict, departing city streets in the neighborhood of the Amtrak
Station and then serving the Casino and Miller Park on a private right
of way.  Of course, I am making reference to, the now abandoned Air
Line/West Allis Freight Line and continuing west to service the industry
and businesses now populating the former Allis-Chalmers property.  Stops
on that line would be made at 70th, 76th, 84th(State Fair Park), 92nd
and a long platform which would serve the Milwaukee County Zoo and 108th
street (Hwy 100).  Westward, the service could continue with a terminal
at Bluemound Road or continue into the Elm Grove Shopping Center.                            

Note that most of that private right of way is within the City of
Milwaukee limits and is of 100 feet in width; ample room for a double
track operation.  Of note;  the private right of ways of the Air Line
and the land formerly occupied by the Rapid Transit Lines to Hales
Corners and Waukesha, should be preserved for future expansion.
Therefore, the designs for the Zoo and Hale Interchange expansions, must
not compromise the ability to accomodate future electric rail Rapid
Transit services which will surely come as an extension of services at
the area of the former Schlinger Avenue RTL stop.           

So, commencing at Lake Michigan and moving west along Michigan and Fifth
streets to the Amtrak Station, would be on City streets.  Beyond the
Amtrak Station, the line would be of Rapid Transit design, built to
allow speeds of up to 75 mph, as did the old RTL of days past.  Yes,
that old line, developed way back in the 1920's, could and did achieve
speeds topping out at 75 mph.  (fwiw) I recall riding a car from the
Terminal at 3rd and Michigan Streets, riding for only six blocks on City
Streets before entering the private right of way then, without stopping
rode to 68th Street in only Seven (7) minutes.       

You cannot do that today!   The Freeway killed that prime service (third
fastest in the Nation)...... and;                                  

There is nothing Free, about the Freeway! 

Don L. Leistikow