Large parking lots and parking garages can destroy the health of urban areas. This is just one of the issues that a light rail system can address in Kansas City.
"Light rail's most obvious benefit for downtown would be to make it more easily accessible for many people. But the system could also help downtown deal with the perpetual problem of parking, which can sap life from urban areas in ways that many people may not appreciate... Critics argue that light rail will simply not attract enough riders to make a difference in Kansas City. But if the experiences of other cities is any guide, both the number of riders and the positive effect on downtown will steadily increase once the system is up and running."
Thanks to Robert L. Beardsley, AICP
FULL STORY: Parking issue diminishes vitality of downtown KC
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