Here and Now - Light Rail

I live right next to a future stop in Tempe. I dont work downtown, so I will only use the light rail for special events in downtown Tempe and Phoenix. Future expansions should incorperate stations futher apart than is currently being built. One expansion not being considered is north through Scottsdale. Paying for transit should done with Federal money.

I have a number of Light Rail Questions answering any of them is perfectly satisfactory. Here goes:

1) The light rail seems a perfect way to get to downtown Phoenix for concerts, sporting events and First Fridays. I am worried that its hours of operation will be limited like the bus system and therefore make it a less than viable option for getting to Phoenix and then home after the bars close at 2AM. I am hoping it is an alternative to the drunk drive back from Phoenix that I have taken too many times to be comfortable going there anymore.

2) It seems that the plans for the system are being based on the idea that it will be lightly used. This scares me because if it cannot handle capacity crowds on day one all the people in the Huppenthal camp will be vindicated.

3) Is there any plan for a mass transit system that is elevated and does not impact traffic like the light rail?

It would be nice if the rail went to the Mesa Arts Center.

The way the construction is being done to build the light rail system seems to maximize the harm to businesses along the route and the inconvenience to commuters. My questions are: (1)Why was the construction not done in sections instead of having the whole route ripped up for the entire time; (2) if there is going to be only one work shift, why can't it be 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.; and (3) most important, why can't the work be done with 3-shifts around the clock, if not 24/7 at least 24/5?

I grew up in Oregon with light rail. We heard all of the same complaints and concerns before it started. Now people couldn't live without it. I loved it while we were still living there. It truly cut down on the traffic and pollution. People here just don't get it. They need to take a step back and let it have a chance to prove itself without all of the negatives.

It’s nice that PHX is getting a light rail system, but what about the rest of the state? Why doesn’t the rest of the state get the same consideration for transportation dollars?

For example, a much needed expansion of I-10 between PHX and Tucson from 4 lanes to 6 or 8 lanes. Why has this been overlooked? When was the last time the Gov. has been stuck in traffic due to a backed up I-10? If she has ever been stuck in a backup on I-10, then she would realize how frustrating this trip can be. Since the state has nixed the rail line between PHX and Tucson, something has to be done.

Heck there are major intersections in Tucson that don’t even have turning signals yet? Why can’t we focus on transportation projects that address the state rather then just the PHX area?

Seems like PHX gets what ever it asks for and the rest of the state is just a second thought.

Disappointed in the lack of leadership in the state regarding state wide transportation issues.

It’s nice that PHX is getting a light rail system, but what about the rest of the state? Why doesn’t the rest of the state get the same consideration for transportation dollars?

For example, a much needed expansion of I-10 between PHX and Tucson from 4 lanes to 6 or 8 lanes. Why has this been overlooked? When was the last time the Gov. has been stuck in traffic due to a backed up I-10? If she has ever been stuck in a backup on I-10, then she would realize how frustrating this trip can be. Since the state has nixed the rail line between PHX and Tucson, something has to be done.

Heck there are major intersections in Tucson that don’t even have turning signals yet? Why can’t we focus on transportation projects that address the state rather then just the PHX area?

Seems like PHX gets what ever it asks for and the rest of the state is just a second thought.

Disappointed in the lack of leadership in the state regarding state wide transportation issues.

My friends and I recently visited San Diego and other than the drive there, we never used the car during our entire stay. We used a combination of riding the LR and walking. One of the benefits we realized by not driving is we never had to look for (and pay for) a parking spot.

I think Light Rail in the Valley is a step in the right direction. But a many have pointed out- as it stands now- it will only be convenient and feasible to use for a small portion of the valley.

As Valley Metro continues to Draw out plans for future routes- I would like to suggest they take a look @ the overall Map- the vast majority of valley's transportation routes today are in a north-south/ east west direction. I would Greatly like to see Diagonal routes of travel with a Variety of transportation options.

I think a prime example for the valley to follow would be Portland, Oregon. Portland has a variety of transportation options, including an expanding light rail system, a streetcar system downtown, street-level buses, a air-tram, as well as a soon-to-open commuter rail line on the outskirts of the city.

In a few short years - Public interest in public transportation will skyrocket - due to ever-rising oil costs. We should be laying the groundwork now rather than 20 years from now.

This is one aspect that has contributed to my choice to re-locate to Portland in the next few months- so I have the option to NOT drive on a daily basis.

I think Light Rail in the Valley is a step in the right direction. But a many have pointed out- as it stands now- it will only be convenient and feasible to use for a small portion of the valley.

As Valley Metro continues to Draw out plans for future routes- I would like to suggest they take a look @ the overall Map- the vast majority of valley's transportation routes today are in a north-south/ east west direction. I would Greatly like to see Diagonal routes of travel with a Variety of transportation options.

I think a prime example for the valley to follow would be Portland, Oregon. Portland has a variety of transportation options, including an expanding light rail system, a streetcar system downtown, street-level buses, a air-tram, as well as a soon-to-open commuter rail line on the outskirts of the city.

In a few short years - Public interest in public transportation will skyrocket - due to ever-rising oil costs. We should be laying the groundwork now rather than 20 years from now.

This is one aspect that has contributed to my choice to re-locate to Portland in the next few months- so I have the option to NOT drive on a daily basis.

I'm a former Chicagoan,a rail-fan and an artist who paints. Why don't we contact Southern Pacific Railroad or, whatever company that owns the railroad lines which currently allow freight train service throughout the valley, and make arrangements to share and or lease the their right-of-way? The lines could be electrified using overhead catenary for trolley use and still allow for diesel freight trains to operate underneath. Temporary low-cost material structures i.e. platforms and shelters (similar to bus stop shelters) could be placed where major street and current bus routes intersect. Svc thru out valley & St!

Another debacle that our so called leaders have forced upon us. Besides the outlandish costs, the effort to help small businesses was all smoke and mirrors. Sure there were/are programs that were to designed to alleviate losses, but again these programs did not add up to much to actually help small business. It has and will continue to create congestion in some of the most congested areas of the valley, for what, so that a couple of thousand of people who already take the bus can now take a train. It's all about selling Phoenix as a big time city that obviously does not know how to grow responsibly. Again, thanks to our so called leaders. I've lived here my entire life and the past ten years have turned our state into a congested, crime ridden, polluted place. How is this honestly going to help with congestion, wasn't that the point of the light rail? Or will it take the path of freeway construction, once completed, it just adds up to another giant source of pollutuion and congestion in another part of the valley.

First I want to say that I am looking forward to using the light rail and that I am a supporter of it. However i am concerned about the safety of the trains at major intersections. I live close to Tempe and the light rail will be running through several major intersections. Most of these intersections do not have your normal crossing gate and red light signs that you see for passenger and freight trains. They are going to be relying on traffic lights. Why is this? I heard earlier today that several cars already failed to obey the signals put in place during test runs. I see this as a major problem considering that Tempe has lots of pedestrians along with cars especially near downtown. Wouldn't it make more sense to install regular crossing gates at these places?

Choices in modern transportation do not require that alternatives be diametrically opposed. Intermodality is defined as the cooperation/combination of differing, often competing modes. How does Metro Rail address the needs of the "park & ride" patrons? Will there be a direct link or stop at the Sky Harbor Airport, similar to O'Hare and Cleveland Hopkins?

Will there be a place to take your bicycle onto the light rail?

Will they operate late at nite, so you can count on a safe ride home after the bars close?

Thanks!

Is there a possibility of using some of the railroad tracks already in place in the valley for use on light rail expansion projects?

Although, I do not think that they implemented this idea in Portland, OR, I did hear this option as part of the debate over their future light rail projects. This option may be able to lessen some of the impact created by future construction for light rail expansion.

Will the light rail run late enough (like 3am) to possibly decrease dui's and drunk driving accidents?

hen will the Glendale Commnity College connection be done?

Light rail and affordable housing-

Public transit is a key resource for low income and disabled people. But owners of homes and properties near light rail are becoming more expensive, and prices are expected to become even higher after the rail line becomes operational.

What is being done to help the people who need to be close to light rail, but can't afford regular housing, much less the higher price near the rail line?

Thanks
Carl

I know that Arizona State offers free bus passes to all its students in an effort to relieve the parking shortage and cut down on traffic around the campus. Will ASU extend the free service to the light rail for students in addition to its bus service? Also, how long until the light rail reaches Queen Creek?

I am invested in inproving and extending light rail. As i approach retirement in the next 1 to 5 years, I plan to become 'car free' to make my retirement income stretch and to benefit our environment.
I deliberately chose my home to be within four blocks of a light rail station, near 7th Avenue and Camelback.
I am looking forward to extensions into all parts of the Valley. Is there any push to start extension lines sooner than planned? How can I contribute to encouraging faster growth of the light rail system?
Thank you for your consideration.
Pat

Sorry about the typos. I meant When will the Glendale Community College connection be done?

As usual, these people are like cheerleaders for a football team. Again, if you've lived here any lenght of time, you've heard this a million times of cheerleaders painting a rosy scenario of yet another project that hasn't started yet. I'm sorry, I've had it with Arizona being either a copycat of stuff that other places have, and the newcomers that seem to think that Arizona is wherever it is they came from. Is there a fund set-up for the deadly accident victims that will be a result of this?

I live in downtown Tempe and work in Phoenix, on 44th St. and Camelback. I am excited about the light rail and the many way this type of transportation will effect the Phoenix Metro Area in coming years.

I will try to take the new light rail, but I don't see it affecting my commute to work. I have had bad experiences with the bus system. I want to see a continued investment in construction and expansion for the light rail. Please talk about the future long range plans for the rail line, including possible areas the rail will run, and if the system will parallel any of the freeway systems as in other large cities.

Thank you!

I don't think the "club market" will be a niche market. There are new restaurants and bars in downtown phoenix, for example, that are not accessible to us in Tempe because of the new DUI laws. Now, one drink before the drive home could have huge cosequences. The light rail could help with the growing downtown economy and couold prevent DUI's and accidents.

Is Glendale going to be left out in the cold (we also pay taxes!)

What happens to the values of homes that are near the light rail? What has happened in other cities regarding home values and light rail.

Is the track infrastructure built with intermittent switches so that possible express trains may be able to pass the slower trains during peak traffic periods?

The light rail is a system that will have a tremendous influence on the future of Phoenix and the Valley. 20 to 50 years from now, our posterity will look back and say, "Thanks, you were pretty smart to build it."

What is being done to keep users comfortable while waiting for the train during the warmer months?

How long before the light rail is connected north (to the Desert Ridge area)?

Is there a website where we can see some of the future planned routes (for example the route running through Chandler)?

I live in Ahwatukee and take the Rapid bus to the downtown Phoenix campus to work. The Rapid buses from 40th & Pecos are crammed full every day, and the parking lot is overflowing. Even the most long-term plan for light rail does not have any plan for a spur along the I-10 E--why not? It would get a ton of use.

Try this website. It has extensions that are currently planned, but does not have routes of possible extension to Chandler, Scottsdale, etc.

http://valleymetro.org/METRO_light_rail/Future_Extensions/index.htm

I notice that the light rail significantly impacts the traffic flow of the downtown area. It seems to me that there is a reasonable possibility to turn the Van Buren to Washington block of central or 1st ave into a pedestrian mall serviced exclusively by light rail?

An extension is planned to go to Paradise Valley Mall by 2025. So far there are no plans to take it to Desert Ridge. But, you can take the bus from Desert Ridge to PV Mall.