Natural Boobs
Reports and Presentations
    
COST Sponsored Presentations
Randall O'Toole: Gridlock Austin (PPT/33MB)


COST Produced Reports
Zero Sum Game: Development and the Austin Streetcar (8MB)
   The city of Austin commissioned a report by Capital Market Research, Inc. (CMR) on the development impacts of the proposed streetcar, which was published in August of 2006. This analysis, Zero Sum Game: Development and the Austin Streetcar provides an analysis of the CMR report and related issues. The analysis of the CMR report is limited to a review of the data provided and does not include an evaluation of CMR methodologies. The following issues are covered:
  1. Property Development Impacts of the Streetcar
  2. Relevant Streetcar Experience in Other Urban Areas
  3. Residential Development Trends in Central Austin
In addition, observations are provided on the use of transit revenues. Finally, because of the frequent reference to "smart growth" policies in Portland and their potential applicability in Austin, a brief resume of Portland developments is provided on in an appendix.

Letter announcing the report 'Zero Sum Game' about the trolley and its lack of impact on development in Austin.
You can get a Lower Res copy(900KB) here

Responses to this Report:

   COST Commentary on the Downtown Austin Alliance (DAA) Response to COST's Report.


Referenced Reports - These are not produced by COST and are here for your reference only
    
CMR study (aka Heimsath study) (1.5MB)
   The city of Austin commissioned report by Capital Market Research, Inc. (CMR) on the development impacts of the proposed streetcar, which was published in August of 2006.
The Social Benefits and Costs of the Automobile (2.3MB)
   A great report by Joel Schwartz on the costs and benefits of the Automobile.
Does Rail Transit Save Energy or Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions?(website)
   This CATO Institute report by Randal O'Toole is about the poor effectiveness of rail transit in general and specifically its overall negative impact on the environment. It shows most rail lines in the country use more energy, per passenger mile, than the average automobile, and many rail lines emit more greenhouse gases than autos.

The report concludes cities that want to save energy and reduce greenhouse gases should focus on making autos more efficient by relieving congestion. Transit agencies that want to save energy should focus on alternative fuels and smaller buses.
©2007 Coalition On Sustainable Transportation