Light Rails – Good or Bad
By: Joe Cline
One of the biggest debates around Austin in the past several years is the addition of a light rail to the citys mass transit program. While the measure passed and the infrastructure is in the process of being constructed, there are still many people who have questions and doubts as to what benefits a light rail will have for the city. While some of the concerns people have a certainly legitimate, many are unfounded ideas about what having a light rail would mean for the city.
One of the biggest concerns of citizens is that the installation of a light rail will result in an increase in taxes for construction and upkeep. While there will certainly be costs involved that will come out of the citys public transportation budget, many of these costs will be defrayed from the fees charged to use the service. In most other cities who have implemented a light rail program, ridership has far exceeded their expectations and increased as time has passed.
Others are concerned that after the expense, there will still be no reduction in traffic on the roadways. Austin, being a large city, will likely always be a high traffic area. However, the addition of this type of public transportation will help to reduce the number of vehicles on the road and lighten the amount of traffic. Traffic problems will still exist, but they will be somewhat smaller because of the light rail being available as an alternative.
Many argue that adding buses to the city transit program would be a more cost effective solution to the traffic issues. Bus lines may seem a good choice to save a few dollars against the expense of constructing a light rail system, but there are many more potential issues created by using buses. First, timetables and travel can be affected when using buses. When traffic is heavy, service to certain area can be slow or nearly impossible. With a light rail, dealing with street traffic is virtually eliminated. Additionally, buses product emissions that can be devastating to the environment. The light rail is run by electricity, making it friendlier to the planet. In fact, many who currently use the bus system would likely switch over to the light rail, saving themselves time in their daily schedule and routine.
In a city the size of Austin, that continues to grow and thrive, finding public transportation solutions that are both cost effective and safe for the environment can be difficult. There is certainly no perfect answer to the traffic and congestion issues that are faced by any city. However, programs like the light rail can help significantly reduce commuting issues, such as gridlock and air pollution, if even only a fraction of those driving in the city choose to use it. There may always be those who oppose traffic systems, such as the light rail, but before long, many will see the wonderful benefits that this transit program can bring to such a large city.
Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/auto_and_trucks/article_2690.shtml
Jonathon Hardcastle writes articles on many topics including Automotive, Shopping, and Sports
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Left Hand Driven Cars
By: Leo Dillon
Driving a left hand driven car offers magnificent excitement and amazing driving moments. Left hand driven cars or LHD are the cars where the steering wheel is located on the left side when you are looking the front of the vehicle or on the right side when you are sitting inside it. The difference between a right and left hand driven car is the opposite location of the primary driving components such as the steering wheel and pedals. These cars also have automatic transmission system.
Only few select car manufactures try to design cars for both sides. The majority of the world population drives on the right. The most obvious benefits of choosing a left hand driven is ease and safety when driving in left hand driven, which is especially beneficial for frequent travelers. There are many strict driving laws in the advanced countries. Signs, toll booths and traffic lights are bespoke for one side not for both. Traffic throughout the world is restricted to either the left or right hand side of the road and requires regulations fundamental to traffic flow.
Driving tips for LHD cars:
While you may not be used to it, getting around in left hand drive cars on the right side of the road is every bit as safe as driving on the left. You have to follow the tips below to get enjoyable journey cruising the highways in any destination.
1 If one has never used a left hand drive before, it is advisable to choose the one with automatic transmission.
2 If your hand-eye coordinations are not as accurate as you would like it to be or you are nervous at the time of driving or losing control while you take your eyes away from the road, it is advisable to drive on wider roads or road where traffic is minimal before going into the busy roads.
3 You need more practice to learn the controls and equipment in LHD cars. If you are practicing manual left hand drive, always remember that the pedals like accelerator, brake, clutch are in exactly the same position from left to right. You have to concentrate only on the location of the gear-stick and handbrake in the LHD.
4 check speedometer precisely. Find out the speed limits accurately. Many left hand driven countries measure speed in kilometers and you may be used to measuring speed in miles. Left hand driven cars measure in kilometers only or indicate both kmph or mph.
5 Take a little test drive in your LHD before you venture out onto the roads and when you finally take the plunge remember to keep right.
Left-handed cars are ideal for many reasons. Left-handed cars are part of the wave of the future. Now you can enjoy these wonderful moments or get different feeling of driving experience.
Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/auto_and_trucks/article_2732.shtml
