The Austin-based grassroots Rethink35 voted to join the Restart Lone Star Rail District coalition in mid-August. Rethink35 is fighting against the proposed I-35 expansion through Central Texas and advocating for a study of alternatives, including rerouting nonlocal traffic to SH-130 and replacing the highway with a boulevard. Read their statement below:
"Rethink35’s board has voted to become a coalition member of Restart Lone Star Rail District, an alliance of groups throughout Central Texas calling on the Capital Area MPO and Alamo Area MPO to establish passenger rail service between San Antonio and Austin. We believe that improved train travel contradicts the assertion that it is necessary to displace residents and local businesses for our transportation infrastructure.
Restart Lone Star Rail District’s vision is a regional rail system that would give an alternative to driving along the I-35 corridor, connecting Downtown Austin to neighborhoods on the North Side, Round Rock, and Georgetown to the north, and South Austin, Buda, Kyle, San Marcos, New Braunfels, and San Antonio to the south. By joining the Restart coalition, we are endorsing the vision of inter-city and regional rail in Central Texas, which will provide the public with sustainable and efficient transportation options.
At the moment, Rethink35 will not appoint a committee member to Restart’s board, but we will work with Restart to ensure that our goals are represented as the vision for regional rail grows."
Stay tuned for more Restart-Rethink35 collaboration! Welcome to the coalition!