Comments on Expanding Transportation Alternatives

Saul Antonio Arreguin posted an article for his 512 Politics blog entitled "Expanding Transportation Alternatives."

Mr. Arreguin mainly talks about the terrible traffic conditions in Austin due to the rapid growth and increase in population. He mentions that Austin is the fastest growing city in America and that it is the one of the most condensed cities. Mr. Arreguin then talks about how other cities in Texas are facing similar issues but the problems are not as great compared to Austin's problems because the other big cities such as Dallas and Houston have more territory to expand and allow the population to be distributed. On the other hand, Austin's population is mainly concentrated towards the downtown area, which is where the University of Texas is also located, which also adds a huge number of population in Austin.

The blogger then goes on to talk about the great benefits of the railroad system in Austin and that investing in the Metro Rail System would reduce the traffic because more people would turn to it instead of driving on their own, especially for those who drive in and out of downtown daily, faced with horrendous traffic in I-35 and Mopac day and night.

Although Mr. Arreguin makes a good argument about Austin's increasing population and the traffic problems, I personally believe that investing in widening the highways could be a greater investment. Although the Metro Rail System is a convenient method of traveling, it's clear that the most preferred method of transportation in America is without a doubt automobiles. Cars provide the freedom to take whatever road we choose to drive on, while railroads only provide a set amount of destinations to choose from. Relying on the railroad is a great idea that could greatly help Austin's road with decreased traffic and it also comes with the bonus of reduced carbon monoxide pollution in the environment, but investing in the railroad system will not benefit the Austinites if the people choose the freedom of driving instead of the convenience of taking trains.