It is no secret to anyone who has any type of involvement or contact with the University that there is a serious lack of parking. This has now been re-emphasized with the opening of the new Matthew Knight Arena.
There is a good solution available. Build a large multi-level parking structure next to Autzen Stadium and PK Park.
Next, build a light rail line, preferably a trolley or streetcar line that would extend from Autzen, south over the river, down Agate Street and east on 13th Avenue. After passing the arena, turn south on Villard Street to 15th Avenue and west to University Street.
This would service most of the dorms and Hayward Field.
Next, turn north on University Street then east on 13th Avenue to return north on Agate Street to Autzen.
The students would use the structure during the day on weekdays, and people attending various events would use it on evenings and weekends. Few facilities in the area would be used as much.
Charge a reasonable fee, and in time it will pay for itself and then produce reasonable revenue as well as providing a much-needed service to both the students and the community. Historically, this would cover some of the original streetcar route of 1907-1927 and have far more charm and character than an LTD bus can ever have.
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Rail line would offer practical, charming fix to Knight Arena traffic problems
Daily Emerald
January 19, 2011
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