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Wave-Rider Numbers on the Rise
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1 Comments ::  :: South Padre Island, Port Isabel, Laguna Vista, Bayview |
An increasing number of people are hitching free rides these days, town officials said.
The number of passengers using the town's Wave Transportation System has increased by more than 42,000 riders during the fiscal year ending in August.
Part of this increase has been linked to the Wave's new tourist-friendly system, initiated to accomodate the "tourist-time" at the Island.
Until recently there were only two buses operating during the summer. A third bus was added six months ago to fulfill the demand during the busy time periods such as the summer and spring break.
The Board of Aldermen allocated $40,000 to get the third bus on the streets.
The third Island-only shuttle provides tourist a more frequent and easily accesible mode of transportation to all the key parts of the Island. The shuttles offer an easy way to get around town and visit our local retail and restaurant establishments.
Although the need for a third bus is not necessary during the winter months, visitors and residents alike appreciate the convenience the Wave offers, many said.
The number of shuttle passengers has been steadily rising since April 1999. The number went up from 66,000 in 1999 to 221,000 riders a year.
Some residents have said the reason they moved to the Island was because of the shuttle service.
Tired of driving around and paying for gasoline they have come to realize that the shuttle not only provides them with a way of getting around, it also gives them the opportunity to meet other members of the community.
Some tourists have come to the conclusion that riding the Wave would be a better way to see the Island not only because of its price (free) and convenience but also because of the route that it takes them thru.
City officials hope that one day a transportation system will provide tourists and residents the ability to travel seamlessly from McAllen to the Island. A similar transit exists currently from McAllen to Mercedes. It is up to the county commissioners to help provide funding for this service. |
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By
Mike Stuart @
Monday, November 27, 2006 8:15 PM |
Construction of a landscaped median along Padre Boulevard on South Padre Island was delayed last week.
Utility and sprinkler system adjustments are needed before construction of the medians can begin, said Amy Rodriguez, spokeswoman for Texas Department of Transportation.
Construction will now likely start in late December or early January, she said.
Once finished, the raised median will start at Park Road 100 and continue north on Padre Boulevard to Swordfish Road.
The town has awaited the start of project through four years of planning.
The Island needs to undergo a “facelift,” said Jason Moody, the town’s public information coordinator.
The $4.7 million project was endorsed by the Chamber of Commerce, the Economic Development Cooperation and the Board of Aldermen.
Residents voted during a special election in September 2003 to raise a half cent tax on hotel and motel revenues, which helped fund the project, according to Mayor Robert N. Pinkerton Jr.
The town’s contribution to the project will be approximately $1.2 million, Moody said.
The project has a 6-month deadline, but Fidel Guerra of Ballinger construction said they are shooting to finish within five months.
“We should be out of here before spring break,” Guerra said.
Workers began Tuesday to relocate power lines and sprinkler systems and to widen streets to create a hurricane-evacuation shoulder.
Guerra also cautions motorists to be mindful of construction workers during lane reductions.
Some local shop owners were concerned the project’s construction could impact sales.
But owner of the Island Native Surf House, Kerry Schwartz feels that the concern for sales should not take precedence over safety.
“Business isn’t worth losing a life,” Schwartz said.
After a co-worker was hit by a car and injured five years ago, Schwartz now believes that the lives of tourists and residents should be the primary worry.
The owner talked about the risk pedestrians take to cross six lanes in order to visit various shops.
“The middle lane is known as the ‘suicide lane,’“ Schwartz said.
He said the median will also provide visual improvements to the Island.
“If you look down Padre Boulevard, what do you see? Nothing but power lines,” Schwartz said. “The place looks junky.”
On the Beach manager Alex Matthews agrees that the median will add beauty to the Island but will also lend to a “learning experience.”
“We need to consider emergency vehicles and the flooding on the Island,” Matthews said.
Pinkerton said drainage will be given “special attention.” According to a fact sheet written by the mayor, he promised that the median would not worsen flooding on Padre Boulevard during heavy rain.
Pinkerton said that cleaning “the existing [drainage] system as well as installation of enhanced new structures in some problem areas” will help prevent flooding.
The Laguna Madre Water District will help by improving conflicting water and sewer lines, Director of Operations Arturo Martinez said.
Although the relocation of lines will require breaking ground, installation of the raised median will not tear up asphalt, Moody said.
The median will contain plants, lighting, curbs and ramps for crosswalks.
Four breakaways or turnaround lanes will be located near Bank of Commerce, Three Flags over Padre Fun Park, East Sunny Isle Drive and West Pompano Street, Moody said.
Intersections at West Harbor Street, West Palm Street, West Marlin Street, West Amberjack Street and West Red Snapper Street will collect traffic for left turns across Padre Boulevard.
The 1.8 mile median will end after West Dolphin Street |
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