Raleigh Mayor Charles Meeker has obviously failed to read the Triangle Transit Authority’s agenda even though he is lobbying for a multi-million dollar tax increase to help said entity. Mayor Meeker claims the TTA can help reduce air pollution by reducing traffic congestion (both of which the TTA has admitted a rail transit system CANNOT do.)
From the Frequently Asked Questions section from the TTA’s website that we’ve had to refer to all too often:
10. Will the train reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality?
There will be a slight reduction in the amount of traffic congestion, but with more and more people moving into the area, highway congestion will continue to grow. The rail transit system will provide a viable alternative to using highways in the region’s most congested corridors.
The two ways to combat congestion and air pollution are to take cars off the road and keep the ones that are on the roads from idling in stopped traffic. Each car of the regional rail trains can hold more than 200 people (with standees), and the trains will not be delayed by traffic tie ups. Rail offers a consistent, on-time alternative to sitting in traffic, allowing people to be more productive.
Although air quality is improved by taking cars off the road, the diesel-powered engines in the DMUs produce NOX, which also affects air quality. The more shared rides – whether by bus, carpool, vanpool or rail – the better for air quality.
The DMUs will use clean-burning diesel engines that meet future EPA standards.
11. Will there be increased intersection congestion?
There will be intersection congestion when the trains pass, similar to the introduction of a new traffic light. Trains will cross intersections more than 100 times a day. The wait time is 45-60 seconds a cycle, which typically will have less impact than adding a traffic light. TTA is planning to improve many intersections with right turn lanes, additional through lanes and/or left turn lanes to improve the level of service.
20. Is intersection congestion different from traffic congestion?
OK, so this is not a legitimate question from the website, but it does deserve some review. They are replacing one with the other but both leave cars maliciously idling.
