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(Back
to Questions and Answers)
Weekly list of Questions from the Star
Community Newspapers in 2008.
Week 4: Transit-oriented development and transportation
(each Question 100 words Max).
QUESTION
1. The DART Green Line will be running in or near your area in about
two years, and its organizers hope it will allow cities to become more “walkable.”
Does this apply to your city or town? What other changes might your area see
in the future?
ANSWER: There are plans to make several transit centers in Lewisville when the rail
is built along with the expansion of I35. The Rail system will ultimately
connect Lewisville with downtown Carrollton’s Dart Rail and then downtown
Denton. This will connect this area with Dallas. Hopefully, all the
construction will be completed by 2013. Users may need to take local bus
routes to and from the stations or use the parking facilities at the transit
center locations.
QUESTION
2. Discuss your city or town’s role in transit-oriented development. Explain
ideas you may have for your area or for the surrounding areas. How might you
work with other cities or towns?
ANSWER: The City has been working with the Denton County Transit Authority (DCTA)
for several years on this project and the plans are mostly completed and
waiting for construction to begin. DCTA has been working closely with each
jurisdiction who voted to participate (Lewisville, HV & Denton) to integrate
station plans into local economic development and comprehensive land usage
plans.
QUESTION
3. What is the current status of your bus system? If you have one, does
anything need to be done so it is used more often by your residents? If you
don’t, do you need one?
ANSWER: The DCTA bus program called Connect makes about 100 different stops in the
area. Connect had about 3600 passengers in December 2007 and the program
continues to grow. Texans like to drive their cars giving them more freedom
to move about the Metroplex. Getting more residents to use the bus system
will take some time and encouragement.
QUESTION
4. Many of the interstates and state highways in the area are congested. Do
you have plans in place to relieve any of the major thoroughfares? If
elected, is this something that needs to be addressed?
ANSWER: As this has been addressed, the expansion of I35 and the addition of the
rail system will help. There are other things that can be done. For example,
if businesses across the Metroplex want to voluntarily change shift start
times to start an hour earlier or later of the peak traffic times, then this
can spread out the traveling vehicles and lessen congestion. This can save
travel time and help people save time on the roads.
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