Rail On Westheimer – it just fits!

• We can't afford to lose Richmond greenspace, the esplanade and the trees, or the ability to move auto traffic via Richmond – the environmental and mobility impact is too great when there is a better way
• Westheimer is already a poor route for cars, especially where it is only one lane wide due to parking in front of the businesses between Woodhead and Mandell
• Lightrail is best suited for commercial districts such as Westheimer, not less-dense areas such as Richmond or Westpark, or quiet residential neighborhoods like Wheeler
• What about a great way to get to the Greek Festival or Pride Parade?
• Approval for federal funding hinges upon METRO's ability to present a cost-effective investment.  That means the corridor selected will need to yield the highest ridership possible for the dollars invested, and this is achieved only with a direct line through the Galleria area
• There is very little parking along Westheimer (especially Highland Village) so people need to get there by a means other than cars
• Traffic around the Galleria is hectic, and getting through the Galleria area on Westheimer will only get worse
• Richmond advocates say Richmond is where the people are but the density of local commerce is much greater on Westheimer
• Greenway Plaza is much better served by a regional rail line since many people are commuting from long distances (Katy, Woodlands, Kingwood) not connected by the University Corridor
• Building the lightrail on Westheimer preserves the Westpark right-of-way for future express regional transit coming into the city from distant points west
• New highrises are currently being constructed on Westheimer at Kirby. The people in these condos may prefer rail to driving, especially if they are elderly
• The University Corridor starts at the Eastwood Transit Center (Elgin and the Gulf Freeway) and Elgin becomes Westheimer in Midtown. If the rail stays on a single street, then METRO will NOT have to take as much private real estate as a Richmond route making 90-degree turns
• Richmond is currently a good route for trucks and emergency vehicles which would be impacted by rail

If you also think that rail on Westheimer is a better solution, please join us in promoting a much better alternative!