Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: The End.

[solsystem]

Yes, ist's too bad to see your prop poxed City. I hope you can finish this city tile from your backup without a new prop pox.

The new pictures looks good as always!

[Battlecat]

I'm very sorry to hear you've run into Prop Pox for a second time!  I'm very glad to hear you have a backup in reserve though! 

Love the latest updates, you're using a great variety of road networks lately!

[Nexis4Jersey]

Very interesting tunnel , might i suggest using Mr. Snoppys Toll Booth set...its more realistic then Maxis Toll plazas.

[cubby420]

Excellent tunnel with a very cool setup. I'll second the call for Mr. Snoopy's Toll Booths from the STEX...I think you'll like them as well.

[peter007]

Nice tunnel. Your work is amazing

[Exla357]

Good job my friend Always nice to see such close attention to detail in train networks. I lived in California for 6 years, and if I miss one thing, it's the trains and the freeways. Although it may not be RL accurate, it looks very California!

[sumwonyuno]

The tunnel result is fantastic!   

[RickD]

Yesterday was my MD's first anniversary. Thank you all for your support and comments in the last year. This is what keeps me going. A big round of  to all of you!

Light Rail Expansion

A few weeks ago I showed you the current state of the Light Rail System in Santa Barbara. It became quite clear that it does not meet the standards needed in a modern city. This is why an extension of the system is planned.


The essential requirements are:

1. Connecting Central Station (Amtrak/SBlink) and the northeastern suburbs to the system
Solution: construction of a new line (Green Line)

2. Improving capacity and traffic flow for both cars and mass transit in the CBD
Solution: Grade separation by shifting the light rail tracks underground through the CBD

3. Improving mass transit coverage in the CBD
Solution: Green Line and Blue Line extension


There are two proposals which differ in the routing of the new Green Line through the CBD. Both have advantages (+) and disadvantages (-).

31.1 Proposal 1

+ cheaper. only one north/south tunnel needed which is shared by red and green line. This also means fewer stations needed.
+ all three lines directly connected at hospital station; easier transfer between lines

- lower max. capacity due to shared tracks
- Green Line does not improve mass transit coverage in CBD


31.2 Proposal 1 overlay

Dotted lines = underground, continuous lines = ground level

31.3 Proposal 2

+ better coverage in CBD area
+ higher max capacity due to dedicated tracks

- expensive. second north/south tunnel needed and more stations
- no direct transfer between all three lines in one station

31.4 Proposal 2 overlay

Dotted lines = underground, continuous lines = ground level

31.5

This is where Blue Line currently crosses US-101. The overpass will be removed. The tunnel entrance will be to the left.

31.6

In Proposal 1 the transfer station between all three lines will be under this intersection. According to Proposal 2 only Red and Blue Line meet here.

31.7

Proposal 1: Blue Line station under here
Proposal 2: Transfer between Green and Blue Line

31.8

Soon there will be no more trams at Market Square.

31.9

The new Green Line will connect not only the Central Station but also the sports and event arena.

The project is not set in stone yet. Feel free to comment on it.


Replies

Aaron Graham, Tomas Neto, GreekMan, noahclem, Sciurus, penguin007, io_bg, kwakelaar, nbvc, canyonjumper, solsystem, Battlecat, peter007, Exla357, sumwonyuno:
Thank you all. I always enjoy seeing your comments

2557+Cards:

My only comment...I want your plugins folder.

Thanks, that would be 19.075 files in 5,77 GB.

Nexis4Jersey, cubby420:
I actually had Mr Snoopy's toll boths once but lost and forgot them when I rebuilt my plugin folder. Thanks for reminding me. 

[GreekMan]

I would have to go with proposal 2. I think that is the best one for downtown plus more ppl will ride it. I love the trams in the market place! Great job!

[noahclem]

I'm going to agree with GreekMan and suggest proposal 2. It's a shame the trams have to go though. In any case, why not start the tunnel for the blue line entering the CBD after it passes over the freeway? It seems cheaper, especially since a perfectly good overpass is already in place and the grade would have to be pretty steep for it to go under the already sunken freeway.

Great update in any case     You've really presented to two proposals in a great and easy-to-understand way.

[ricardomiranda]

Very cool your MD, congratulations

[Exla357]

Good and easily understood presentation of both plans. I am honestly split between both plans. Proposal 1 offers a single transfer station in the heart of the CBD, but would be inneficient. Proposal 2 is a bit redundant, but more efficient (if that makes any sense  ) In the end, I will go with Prop 2. I agree, keep the overpass over 101 and start the tunnel afterwords, add good bus access to each station along the green line for easy acces, since there will be no center station. Good job with everything, and sorry to hear about the prop pox!

[Simcitler]

First of all i want to say that this is another beatiful Update of your region. 
I really like your MD! 

@Extension Proposals
I will go with Proposal 2 too. It will be more expensive than Proposal 1, but it will provide more capacity for the future. At the end of the line in the harbour district, I would recommend an shared station with the red line, where travellers of the southwestern area can change to green line serving the train station and the sports complex!

Best regards
Simcitler

[Skimbo]

Proposal 2 is the better investment for the future. It should be extended with massive P+R in the line's outer CBD areas.

Nice update

[Dantes]

I love the big city feel and then as a great public transport. 

[kodlovag]

Happy anniversary!

I would select Proposal 2. It's gives better coverage, and who cares about money?  Ask for support from the National or Regional Development Fund 

[Exla357]

CONGRATS ON 1 YEAR OF EXCELLENT MD!

[Tomas Neto]

Wow my friend..., happy birthday to your MD!!!   

Great update again!!! Nice pictures and fantastic maps too!!!

[sumwonyuno]

Congratulations on the MD birthday!   

I'm leaning toward the second proposal.  Although easy of transfer and increased accessibility in that part of the CBD is good, if there's not enough capacity on those shared tracks, it may just lead to overuse.  I think the other part of the CBD would benefit with the second proposal.

[Schulmanator]

If your tax base can handle it, I would do #2.