What are the stations for the new Metro light-rail lines gonna look like? This full-scale mockup of a section, cobbled together from foam core, poster board, cardboard mailing tubes, and Plexiglas, now waiting way off-site in the offices of RdlR Architects provides one clue.
And here are a few more:
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- Project Teaser – Metro Light Rail Station Prototype [RdlR:blog]
- Metro Light Rail Transit Corridors [RdlR Architects]
Photos and renderings: RdlR Architects
Know what would rock? Air-conditioned stations.
How much would that cost?
It would be nice if someone explained to the rocket scientists that during winter it might be nice to have a little enclosure so the wind doesn’t give you frostbite while waiting for the choo-choo train. Not to mention getting soaked from the open sections of the overhang which with a little wind tends to soak everyone under the closed overhangs. Looks nice. But isn’t functional.
I love rail. I don’t love waiting for rail.
Obviously the designers have never waited for a bus or a train at a Metro stop. The shelters downtown are virtually useless in the rain and cold. The uptown shelters provide “some” protection from the wind but forget about protection from the rain.
The renderings are nice. My complaint is that the people waiting at the station actually look like normal people. Where are all the vagrants and riff raff that make up the majority of riders?
Hmmm… still no structures in place to stop anyone without a ticket from getting on the train. I was hoping the new terminals would have some sort of policing structure in place for this. Currently they have random police raids but surely this isn’t the most effective way to enforce ticket buying. Sure, it’s exciting to watch the raid and nice to get a seat after half the crowd is kicked off BUT it wastes a lot of time and is impractical on a large scale.
Jim, all us vagrants and riff raff told Metro they could not use our image for advertising.
JenBen, don’t you know all us vagrants and riff raff voted for Annise Parker and soon will be riding for free anyway?
You two must live in Southampton…
Hey, I live in Southampton!
Jim is a racist tool. Since when did racist tools = neighborhood activists?
Jim is a racist tool. Since when did racist tools = neighborhood activists?
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His comment didn’t seem racist. Just pretentious.
Before they power ahead on the rail project, think there might be any chance of getting the lighting element on the 59 bridges up and running again? Pivotal part of that development and design, and it hasn’t worked for years…
1) Where did Dillards go?
2) I agree that the open air nature of the stations will lead to fraud, but how else could it pay for itself unless they figure out a way to collect $$ consistently? Many subways in Europe use the “Honor” system, but that system works in Germany where they actually only cross the street when the sign says “walk.” And, they tend to be subways, thus limiting access.
3) FiberOptic, those lights were a distraction at night and probably caused many traffic accidents. Nonetheless, they should have been built to be sustainable.
Metro light rail stations brought to you by unhappyhipsters.com.
In reply to MattMystery and Frank: Enclosed stations may protect me from the rain or the wind but they certainly make me target for any theft or assault from the ‘riff raffs’ that are also using public transportation. I prefer the openness of the stations for my safety. All I want is shade from the sun (which is the usual climate condition in Houston.
I’m fairly confident that Rail along Post Oak will be a horrible mistake for the city and surrounding offices/retailers. Can anyone envision a scenario in which you’d practically use it? Any chance of of rejection of that line’s approval?
In reply to MattMystery and Frank: Enclosed stations may protect me from the rain or the wind but they certainly make me target for any theft or assault from the ‘riff raffs’ that are also using public transportation.
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I think we should just ban the “riff raffs” and limit access to rail to those who are gainfully employed and make $100,000 a year and relegate everyone else to the buses. Since everyone riding the rail will be able to buy tickets then we can afford to make the buses free. Why don’t you suggest this to your mayor?
I’m fairly confident that Rail along Post Oak will be a horrible mistake for the city and surrounding offices/retailers. Can anyone envision a scenario in which you’d practically use it? Any chance of of rejection of that line’s approval?
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No more a horrible mistake than the Richmond Line formerly known as the Westpark Line or perhaps now known as the Richmond Line and the Westpark Line. For the moment. Your new mayor is set to replace the Metro board so who knows? Maybe changes to the plans are on tehir way. Hope the people in Afton Oaks voted for her. If not, well, you can forget the Westpark part and it will just be the Richmond Line.
MattMystery: I use public transportation every day. I am the ‘riff raff’ you see at bus stops and rail stations. But you are such an angry person, it’s people like you that I’m terrified of when standing in an enclosed space waiting for the bus. You can start comment wars with everyone on here or you can listen and understand what other’s concerns are and approach it in a mature manner. I’m quite certain you won’t do this and will reply back to this with another smart ass comment that doesn’t help your case, but instead makes you a less credible source.
From Alison:
In reply to MattMystery and Frank: Enclosed stations may protect me from the rain or the wind but they certainly make me target for any theft or assault from the ‘riff raffs’ that are also using public transportation.
From Alison:
MattMystery: I use public transportation every day. I am the ‘riff raff’ you see at bus stops and rail stations. But you are such an angry person, it’s people like you that I’m terrified of when standing in an enclosed space waiting for the bus.
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You are the one who made the comment about “riff raff” not me. First you complain about them. Then claim you are one of them. Maybe you are afraid of yourself. Your dark urges. Who knows?
I’ll take the “riff raff” over pneumonia any day.