tibber wrote:interesting. I hope they can figure something out.
I DO NOT like the idea of some sort of permit system arbitrarily limiting the number of visitors based on a system where people use their private vehicles for transport on the GTTS road.
Personally, I believe the ultimate
long term solution for the GTTS road, is to ban private vehicle traffic altogether--NO exceptions for anyone including the "handicapped".
People with disabilities can be accommodated in the same way they are currently at other venues.
I know everyone LOVES their cars and the ability to be independent, but the GTTS road is becoming just a overcrowded MESS.
At least i see it that way. I've been out in the park nearly every week this year.
Sooooooooooo....
I'd establish much larger parking lots at St Mary and Apgar.
Yes I know it would mean paving over more land but there's plenty of unused land in both places.
There's always trade offs that will displease someone.
There would be a system of tram car trains pulled by
environmentally friendly diesel-electric engines that would be
continuously moving between St Mary and Apgar.
Switch to 100% electric transport when/if that technology is feasible.
The number of trains in service at any given time would depend on the number of visitors. Additional trains would be added at Apgar or St Mary as needed to keep crowds from building up at either end of the GTTS road.
Visitors would get on and off at the existing stops with more stops being built over time. Having continuous trains would allow folks to stay at the various stops to take in the scenery, make pictures, etc.
There would be stops at current trail heads as well as new trail heads mentioned in the plan just submitted.
Backpackers and day hikers would still be able to get to and from their trail heads as always.
Yes, they would have to plan more carefully than now, but again...it's doable.
This idea is not perfect and it won't make everyone happy. No plan will.
But I think there is wide agreement that we need to get rid of cars on the GTTS road.
Just a thought
pete