Re: June 16 commentary, ‘Austin’s light rail opponents are trying to undermine taxpayers’ vote’
Austin voters want to increase options for transportation instead of driving personal vehicles all the time. Why are the opponents working to take away the rights of voters? Drivers on IH-35 have noticed it looks like a slow-moving parking lot. Tail pipe pollution from all those vehicles degrades air quality.
Light rail will help reduce traffic jams and provide bike and pedestrian pathways, make connections with Capital Metro bus routes and improve its service. It has a potential to spur affordable housing developments close to transit, creating walkable communities.
According to the EPA, the transportation sector is the largest source of polluting greenhouse gas emissions. These emissions also contribute to global warming. We want this lawsuit to stop; allow the light rail project to proceed and improve quality of life for Austinites.
Kalpana Sutaria
Published by the Austin American Statesman
June 23, 2024