My idea for Heavy Rail service in the East End Part 1.

A little while back (yesterday), I wrote a post in response to a Post Gazette article about a proposed "rail shuttle" between Lawrenceville and Hazelwood. While I think the principle is good, I think heavy rail is a poor choice for a short distance shuttle, or if it is done, I think the destination choice is poor.

That said, I came up with what I feel could be a better solution while sticking with the heavy rail concept, integrating current plans for a two line commuter rail "system", and maximizing current rail infrastructure, and minimizing new construction.

I won't talk too much about the current planned system, other than offering a few ideas on how to maximize service, and how to work with the existing freight carriers over whose lines the proposed system would operate.

I will also talk about some ideas on how to make the "shuttle" a little more likely to succeed. (but I gotta be honest, I still don't know that this is a viable solution to move people within the city of Pittsburgh. This idea does not address the issue, that I've touched on before, that we don't have an integrated rapid transit system. It's still easier for people to enter or leave the city vs. move around in it. As long as that's the case, in my mind, you will be hard pressed to keep people, even those who work here to take up residence and reverse the downward slide of population.)

Finally, I'll break it up into parts so as to cater to today's A.D.D. generation. You have just read Part 1. Stay tuned for Part 2, god...FEEL the excitement!