Light Rail Transit System

By U.S. Rep. Ed Pastor, Fourth Congressional District of Arizona

The light rail transit system through central Phoenix opened in December of 2008, and my faith in the Valley’s desire for more public transit was boosted when ridership soon exceeded expectations. Like many major cities throughout the West, Phoenix has been slow to jump on the public transit wagon. We often seem to be playing catch up in our sprawling city. But the need for good public transportation is strong. Connecting people with their jobs and services through public transit is important for our quality of life.

While I was successful in securing federal funding to construct the first leg of the light rail system through central Phoenix, demand is growing in many areas. My constituents and local government and community leaders have advocated for more public transit and light rail through additional communities. However, this process takes time and millions of local and federal dollars.

I was happy to hear that a $1 million federal grant was awarded to METRO and the City of Phoenix to analyze various high-capacity transit alternatives for the South Central Phoenix Corridor. This is the area on Central Avenue from Washington Street to Baseline Road. The funds, awarded by the Federal Transit Administration, will be used to conduct an Alternatives Analysis (AA), which consists of evaluating the feasibility of several high-capacity transit routes and modes, including light rail, bus rapid transit and modern streetcar.  Securing this funding was important because in these times of budget cuts and rollbacks, the grant indicates the decision-makers in the Federal Transit Administration recognize our collaborative efforts with local government and our commitment to public transit and its success.

The AA study will develop preliminary ridership forecasts, cost ranges, engineering and community issues and economic development opportunities. The end result will be the identification of a single transit route and mode that best services the South Mountain Village community and the larger transit system. We would identify the best use of the South Central Corridor to connect residents from the south and southwest areas to locations throughout Phoenix. Because METRO had previously received $500,000 from this same grant program to initiate a preliminary feasibility study of light rail in this corridor, the study’s scope will be enhanced to complete a formal AA with a budget now totaling $1.5 million.

The study is expected to take two years to complete and is the first step in the process to compete for federal capital funds for the new transit project eventually selected. The study also will give everyone an opportunity to discuss possibilities and constraints to help put the best plan forward.

An important component of the study will include public input. Community feedback is required and really helps drive the process. After all, local residents and business owners know best what works for them and what the community needs. I urge all parties interested in this South Central Corridor to become involved when public input is solicited by METRO and the City of Phoenix.  In the meantime, should you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact my Phoenix District Office at 602-256-0551, or email me from my website at www.pastor.house.gov and click on Contact Ed.