San Antonians for Rail Transit General Meeting

San Antonians for Rail Transit (SART) is a group dedicated to promoting safe, effective rail options at every level for San Antonio. We are not opposed to bus systems, but realize that in a city of over a million, even the best-managed bus system is simply not sufficient. Modern transit requires a multi-modal approach, maximizing the benefits of each form of transit.

If you’re interested in running for the Board, we are still accepting nominations. Please send us a short bio paragraph introducing yourself and a second short paragraph about what directions you’d like to see SART travel in the coming year and we will share them with the membership at-large prior to the elections.

1. Lone Star Rail: The creation of a commuter light rail on the I-35 corridor connecting San Antonio to Austin and the cities in between. We advocate for a cessation of plans to expand I-35 and instead divert those funds in purchase of the San Antonio-Austin rail corridor and the eventual creation of high-speed rail connections.

2. San Antonio Streetcar: The development of an effective street-level rail system designed for not only tourists but also commuters, students and residents.

3. Safer Crossings and Safer Streets: The construction of elevated street crossings throughout the urban space. No urban traffic should ever have to stop for a train to pass. We also advocate for rail as a safer means of transit than private vehicle.

4. Expanded Intercity Rail: We want San Antonio to become a regional hub for rail transit. Amtrak should increase its westbound Texas Eagle trains, and all Sunset Limited trains to daily service. It should restore direct connection between San Antonio and Oklahoma City and eventually Wichita via an expanded Heartland Flyer. The Sunset Limited should be restored to its previous route, giving San Antonians direct rail links to Mobile, Jacksonville and Orlando.

5. Excursion Rail: Amtrak should create regional weekend excursion rail connections to Marfa, TX, Big Bend National Park (via Alpine, TX), San Marcos and other appropriate destinations.

6. The Future of Rail: We are excited for new ideas that push the boundaries of rail in our city and do not limit our vision of the future to the above. They are the first steps.

As always, thanks for your support.

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