A Rail System in San Antonio

According to this report, the decision to build a rail system in San Antonio was delegated to the electorate. However, the decision was made in response to a public uproar about the city’s light rail transportation proposal, which did not require voter involvement. Since the rail system is so important in this town, it is critical that the public be interested in its decisions. Many city dwellers are used to driving and riding buses rather than taking the subway. In fact, not many supported the proposal to construct a light rail system in San Antonio. The city council revoked its initial plans to establish a streetcar in light of allowing public approval through the voting process slated for May 2015. While others may argue for and support rail transport, there is still the issue of target users who must feel the need for the service to be provided. There are also more pertinent issues of cost and convenience. Consequently, the voters opposed the state government_x0092_s proposal in the vote. At least every other major city in the US has a rail. San Antonio residents may be in resistance to its introduction, but it is a necessary facility in the current transport development. Modern rail systems are faster and efficient. Moreover, they carry more load than the buses used. In this regard, the introduction of the rail system would help ease the constant traffic jams in the city. Pollution arising from vehicular carbon emissions would be eliminated. With the growing population in the city matched with an almost similar use of cars, there is an urgent need for the introduction of the rail system. Perhaps, the voters could learn from experiences of immigrants and change their views.

Song, Malin, et al. “Railway transportation and environmental efficiency in China.”Transportation Research part D, vol.48, 01 Oct. 2016, pp.488-498. EBSCOhost

Introduction of rail transport boosts the economy. Thus, this article argues that efficient rail transport systems help in distribution of heavy goods/cargo. Although it is faced with challenges in Brazil, there is no doubt railway transport, if well-managed shall ease the transportation of freight in San Antonio. The economic implication regards cheaper movement of market goods to points of sale. Fast and efficient distribution of products enhances business growth, create jobs and ultimately develop the economy. Notably, this could be a great government project which generates income either from fares charged and taxes paid by operators and employees. Also, it could fix unemployment for the state government. San Antonio, therefore, has a lot to benefit from the introduction of the rail system. Opponents to this venture speak of initial capital outlay and the sourcing thereof. However, with such expected returns as discussed above, the project could finance itself when it becomes operational. In this regard, borrowing and selling government bonds could be exploited. Its effect on the real estate industry is also monumental. Housing prices go up in places with access to railway transportation. City landowners will enjoy high offers for their property.

Michniak, Daniel. “Role of Railway Transport in Tourism: Selected Problems and Examples in Slovakia.” QuaestionesGeographicae, vol 35, no. 4, 2016, pp. 107-120. EBSCOhost

The author outlines more critical economic implications of the use of rail transport. Although focusing on Slovakia, the same applies to San Antonio. Rail transport is vital in the development of tourism industry, given that it facilitates efficient movement of both domestic and foreign visitors. Additionally, the transportation system itself attracts tourists. Besides, wildlife is a significant economic sector with revenues generated being used in government initiatives. With an established rail transport, San Antonio will be able to tap into this lucrative venture and maximise its income. Thus, the argument that San Antonio_x0092_s population cannot support railway transport is purely unfounded. With over two million people, the city’s population growth rate is steady with the entry of immigrants. Moreover, environmental pollution caused by vehicles and stressful traffic congestion have enhanced the need for rail transport in this city. Rail speeds are way faster than most road transport. Additionally, energy consumption is low, thus, establishing this form of transportation in San Antonio is a viable venture.

Peters, Deike. _x0093_Elkind, Ethan N. Berkeley. Railtown--The Fight for the Los Angeles Metro Rail and the Future of the City. Berkeley and Los Angeles: University of California Press_x0094_ International Journal of Urban and Regional Research, no.2, 2015, p. 428. EBSCOhost

The writer supports the establishment of San Antonio Railtown, which has been occasioned by air pollution, noise and traffic congestion in the city. Further, citizens have seen the need for embracing light rail transport mechanism as a way to keep relevant in today’s society. The political leadership under the mayor is entirely in support, and there is hope for the same. The San Antonio rail system was a report proposal by a research group with the focus on rail transport in the city. The study considered all factors pertinent and ultimately found that the town needed rail transport. The line would connect the entire city. However, this would come at a cost in the form of increment of taxes to finance the venture. Thus, it is one argumentative reason for resistance by the public over the years. Since the anticipated benefits outweigh the cost, the establishment of rail in San Antonio is long overdue, and there is need to fast-track its inception. There is an acute deficit in transport that may be remedied by commuter rail system in San Antonio. A case in point is the travel between Austin and San Antonio. Moreover, immigration of people from other cities with experience in rail has increased the need.

_x000c_Work Cited

_x0093_San Antonio voters get last word on streetcar._x0094_ The bond buyer, no. 34174, 2014. EBSCOhost

Michniak, Daniel. “Role of Railway Transport in Tourism: Selected Problems and Examples in Slovakia.” QuaestionesGeographicae, vol 35, no. 4, 2016, pp. 107-120. EBSCOhost

Peters, Deike. _x0093_Elkind, Ethan N. Berkeley. Railtown--The Fight for the Los Angeles Metro Rail and the Future of the City. Berkeley and Los Angeles: University of California Press_x0094_ International Journal of Urban and Regional Research, no.2, 2015, p. 428. EBSCOhost

Song, Malin, et al. “Railway transportation and environmental efficiency in China.”Transportation Research part D, vol.48, 01 Oct. 2016, pp.488-498. EBSCOhost