AUSTIN, TX - At 32 yards long and just over 12 feet high, it's the streetcar named the Kinkisharyo AmeriTram.
It looks better than a city bus when you look at it actually, said Austinite Jimi Mitchell.
Mitchell's comments are why the City of Austin wanted to involve the public with a look at a potential solution to the city's light urban rail search.
Austin Transportation Director Robert Spillar says limited room for new roadways puts even more focus on alternatives. The inner city rail proposal has failed before, but Austin's growth brings a constant search for solutions.
Two kids in tow, mother Lynn Adler gave the vehicle a test run and her approval.
It's nice and roomy, Adler said.
It will take much more to get the approval of Austin voters. The entire urban rail system would cost $1.3 billion. Based in downtown, lines would extend to 51st Street to the North and the airport to the South.
The urban lines would work in conjunction with larger commuter rails like CapMetro's Leander line.
Environmental studies on rail impact push a vote to 2012 with potential construction slated for 2017.
Is the urban rail the best solution for Austin's transportation problem? Join the conversation on Facebook on The KVUE Insider or call/text our soundoff hotline at 512-522-8025.
