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This Urban Rail Supporter Wants You to Reject Austin's Current Proposal

Project Connect
A rendering of Project Connect's vision for urban rail in Austin.

Some die-hard public transit supporters say Austin’s 9.5 mile,$1.38 billion urban rail proposal is misguided, too expensive, and follows a poorly traveled route

"Why would a city our size put in something that is so pricey on a very weak route?" former Capital Metro board vice president Lyndon Henrysays. "This is insane."

Credit Project Connect
A map of Project Connect's proposed route.

Henry has been fighting for urban rail in Austin since the 1970s. He's now serving as a technical advisor for the Texas Association for Public Transportation, which is advocating for an urban rail route along Lamar and Guadalupe.

"The main travel corridor is in the center of the city," Henry says. "That's where it needs to go."

You can hear our interview with Henry above. For a contrasting view, you may also want to listen to our interview last week withKyle Keahey, who's leading Project Connect, the coalition of city and transportation groups behind the current proposal, below. 

Nathan Bernier is the transportation reporter at KUT. He covers the big projects that are reshaping how we get around Austin, like the I-35 overhaul, the airport's rapid growth and the multibillion dollar transit expansion Project Connect. He also focuses on the daily changes that affect how we walk, bike and drive around the city. Got a tip? Email him at nbernier@kut.org. Follow him on Twitter @KUTnathan.
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