benefit #5. Major Economic Benefit

Many rail-to-trail projects generate large economic benefit through increased tourism, reduced costs (no tunnel/train costs), improved health, select infill development (retail, housingc etc) and improved health.
In one prominent example, NYC's Highline initially had a benefit/cost ratio of 2x but this has been revised upwards to almost 4x. This is a major financial benefit.
SANDAG should conduct a formal economic analysis of rail to trail conversion to better inform public debate.
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhhfZvjka7c&ab_channel=TalksatGoogle
https://streeteasy.com/blog/changing-grid-high-line/

NEXT Benefit: 4 Improves safety

Trails can improve safety by reducing conflict and congestion on busy streets LEARN MORE