How Car-Centric Cities Like Phoenix Learned to Love Light Rail

[marmar]

Aug. 01--The centerpiece of Greg Stanton's re-election campaign is a tax increase. The Phoenix mayor not only wants his city's voters to approve a 35-year sales tax hike later this month, but he wants them to do it on the same ballot that has him running for a second term. Stanton believes voters will support both him and his tax policy because, in doing so, they will be casting a vote for transportation. The mayor argues that an improved regional transportation network -- and specifically a bigger light rail system -- are the key to his own political fortunes and to the economic well-being of the region as a whole.

Stanton was not yet mayor in 2008 when light rail made its debut in Phoenix with hype worthy of a new theme park ride. Rock bands, street fairs and fireworks marked the opening. Nearly 90,000 people enjoyed free rides on board the new teal-and-silver trains that first day. Transit advocates exulted; skeptics insisted the enthusiasm couldn't possibly last.

But it largely has. Today passengers take nearly 44,000 trips on light rail on a typical weekday, already beating the local transit agency's estimates for ridership in 2020. Long-neglected neighborhoods are experiencing new life, and major employers credit transit for their decision to add new jobs in the region.

To those who fought for it, light rail in Phoenix was always about more than shiny new trains and faster travel times; it was a machine to transform urban life. Advocates in Phoenix, like those in many other cities, claimed light rail would introduce a whole new type of development, one that would appeal to both working millennials and retired snowbirds. Less developed neighborhoods would morph into walkable communities. Residents who live along transit corridors would be able to hop on a train to see a show, catch a game, head to class or get to work. The transit system would attract new residents, new businesses and new jobs, making the region competitive for years to come. ................(more)

http://www.masstransitmag.com/news/14063318/how-car-centric-cities-like-phoenix-learned-to-love-light-rail

[daleanime]

1. Oh, the things we could do....

if Americans were willing to invest in the future, instead of just complain about it.

[msongs]

2. or if our government didnt spend 60% of our wealth on the parasite MIC nt

[daleanime]

3. That too....

[MisterP]

7. heck, up in LA we were promised a subway to the sea by 2009 (I figuered "that means 2010")

it's opening maybe 2016

one lily-white neighborhood didn't want it nearby so they hired a Black guy to start a lawsuit on, like, the day the yearlong public-complaint period ended

[TM99]

4. If only the reality of the light rail here in Phoenix

lived up the glowing endorsements in the link and the sales pitch from Stanton. Sadly it does not.

The construction has dragged on for several years severely disrupting traffic in heavily congested areas. It has been very bad for businesses in those areas because access has been curtailed. There are only a few lines that really only service the gentrified downtown locations, sporting and events centers, and ASU.

I live in North Central Phoenix. The nearest light rail stop is miles from me. There is zero parking so it is useless. Do I take a bus to get to it? Then why not just take a bus all the way downtown. It is way too far to walk, and in this heat, way too hot as well.

So yes, I am voting against the sales tax increase as well as against Stanton. The increases in sales tax and the addition of a taxation on food purchases at groceries stores is very difficult for those of us on fixed incomes or on lower income

[enid602]

5. Phoenix

Light Rail had a great run in the late 1800's and early 1900's. I think it's current rebirth in Phoenix has been so popular because Phoenicians think it's cute and will never threaten the automobile centric reality here in Phoenix. I would have preferred el trains or light rail built over the agricultural canals, which would face far fewer ROW issues.

[TM99]

6. I definitely agree.

When a family member has visited, they wanted to ride it.

And you are right, given all of the interchanges around here. I live awfully close to the north 51 and it is as packed as ever during rush hour.

Over the canals might have been an interesting plan. I just wish it was hitting more neighborhoods that really could use an alternative to cars. Perhaps in time, but I am just not willing personally to pay more taxes to wait and see. With the GOP in control, I would rather see that money going to education or healthcare here.