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| ADOT is calling on the public to provide input on the Passenger Rail Corridor Study. |
At that time, ADOT asked for the public’s input regarding rail and other transportation alternatives between these two metropolitan areas. (You might remember this blog post or this one?)
ADOT received a lot of comments (3,075 to be exact) and was able to move forward by identifying six potential rail alternatives and one express bus alternative. These are routes that could link Phoenix and Tucson, while meeting demands for future growth and travel options along one of the busiest interstate corridors in Arizona.
A new opportunity to voice your opinion…
ADOT is again calling on the public to provide input. We want to know what you think of the seven alternatives that have been selected for further study.
To get this feedback, ADOT is participating in a series of community events in Maricopa, Pinal and Pima counties to reach out to community members and get ideas and opinions on the seven options. The public can also participate by taking an online survey.
The survey and complete list of outreach events can be found at azdot.gov/passengerrail. The public comment period runs through Dec. 15.
Along with the seven potential alignments, (all of which can be viewed HERE) ADOT is studying sites for station locations. The alignments include system hubs located near downtown Phoenix and downtown Tucson, and each includes extensions beyond the system hubs that would link to the west Phoenix metropolitan area, as well as Tucson International Airport.
Next Steps…
Based on the technical analysis and the public input received this fall, ADOT will then narrow the seven alternatives down to two or three final options in early 2013. Once the study ends in late 2013, ADOT is expected to select a locally preferred alternative.
Should the study conclude that a passenger rail line or bus service is feasible between Phoenix and Tucson, ADOT would complete further planning and environmental studies and development activities prior to construction of any segment in the corridor.
There is currently no funding identified to build a passenger rail line. ADOT will work with the public, stakeholders and policymakers to identify a funding source, should the project move forward.
More information on ADOT’s Passenger Rail Corridor Study can be found online.
Note: This blog has been edited since first published to correct a minor error -- the initial study launched in early 2011, NOT fall 2011 as was previously stated.
I love the idea of the rail way. However, I am tired of ADOT wanting to put things like this or other highways through the San Tan Valley area. I feel like people think because we are further away from the bigger cities that our area does not matter. Well, as a resident of this area for over 20 years, I am here to tell you that we DO MATTER. Keep your railway away from us!
ReplyDeleteThe point is to provide transportation to the San Tan Valley corridor, a much needed alternative to the ridiculous drive up Hunt Highway! I say yes yes yes!
DeleteSo, being the San Tan Valley is farther away from the metro area is the reason NOT to add highways or rail?
Deleteplease get us some transportation out here in san tan / queen creek area . its much needed out here.
DeleteIt's about time and long over due. Rail transit between Phoenix and Tucson is a definite need.
ReplyDeleteI am in favor of a passenger rail line between
ReplyDeletePhoenix and Tucson. This will reduce some of the
congestion of the heavily traveled I-10 corridor.
And at what cost to the public? I understand a great deal the idea for such a stretch of railway, and not to mention the reduction to accidents on that part of the freeway.
ReplyDeleteBut honestly what is the cost to John Q. in the long run and how many locally based companies will get their part in the construction and the chance for job growth in the area.
This type of project usually includes a large federal contribution to help pay for it. If that is the case here, seize the opportunity! It is guaranteed to create local and permanent employment because the operation of a local rail system can NOT be outsourced. This is one situation where fiscal conservatism today will result in lost opportunity that lasts forever.
DeletePlease add it in all haste it makes so much sense it's just a no brainer with the huge number of people driving between the 2 cities everyday.
ReplyDeleteWho would want to go to Phoenix?
ReplyDeleteWhy would they want to come here?
Maybe for a game? Get real.
I10 between PHX & TUC the most traveled corridor. How many of those vehicles are not AZ commuters?
ReplyDeleteHow many AZ people use existing public transport between PHX & TUC?
Of the 77% who said they prefer the train, how many are TUC residents going to Sky Harbor?
When you take the train to PHX or TUC, then what? A cab, rental car? I know, the scary great public transit system. Yeah, right.
What about a train PHX to FLG? I'd take that just for the scenery.
Neither Tucson or Phoenix have good public transit. Without a good public transit system in both cities, any potential rail user would need to rent a car - so why not drive your own car? A rail system makes sense for those flying through Sky Harbor. Have you compared the number of travelers between the two cities who take the bus versus those that drive their car? That should give you an indication of how many might take a passenger train. I think your average person driving between the two cities wants to have their own vehicle once they arrive at their destination.
ReplyDeletePhoenix doesn't have, "good public transit?" On any given day of the week, you can use it to get from 111th Avenue and Thunderbird to Mesa Gateway Airport. Or from Baseline and 75th Avenue to the Mayo Clinic in north Scottsdale. It's remarkable considering the massive size of the area involved. People fly into cities and then rent cars. It would be no different in this case.
DeleteAmtrak doesn't even stop in Phoenix. That needs to change if rail is ever a serious option.
ReplyDeleteADOT already has plans to put in a major highway linking Phoenix and Tucson. Now they want a rail system in the corridor. Overkill. What will be next? Channeling a river for boats?
ReplyDeleteI think channeling a river for boats would be awesome! I'm all for that! Would they provide the boats or would we provide our own?
DeleteOld fashioned paddle-wheel steam boats would be perfect.
DeleteOne word: Monorail!
DeleteA scenario that predicts a 5 hour travel time between Tucson and Phoenix is our future.
ReplyDeletePassenger rail in Arizona's Sun Corridor would stimulate the state's economy, transform communities and preserve natural resources. Growing Smarter is already the law in Arizona requiring urban areas to plan for compact growth and multimodal(walk,bike,ride,drive) accessibility. The past economy of Arizona depended on unrestrained growth of sprawling subdivisions. Arizona's future economy will be shaped by global markets that require skills and rapid responses with a robust logistic infrastructure. Imagine what our natural surroundings will look like if the next 30 years repeat the past 30 years. A passenger railroad that connects Arizona's major airports, largest cities and biggest employers requires compact urban development at stations enabling the set aside of open space.
The lessons learned in building and financing Portland's MAX and Washington DC's Metro are applicable. Public/private partnerships allow both partners to do what they are good at.
How about walking before you run ?
ReplyDeleteHow many people car pool between the cities ?
How many runs per day does Greyhound run between the cities ? and are all 40 seats full ?
Why is there not ONE public transportation system in the country that supports itself ?
Why should there be another government agency to eat up taxpayer money ?
Why does Amtrack operate at such a huge loss every day ?
Why did the railroads get out of the passenger business ?
And why does ADOT waste money on surveys that common sense would eliminate ?
Two words stand out in my mind.
DeleteFirst; access. How easy will this rail dream access othere methods of public/private transportation. Bus between the two drops people off in the middle of town with zero access to light rail or city bus. A true transportation center that accesses all three modes would solve that issue. Further, secure parking for those that need to drive to a pickup point on the outer fringes of the line. To be successful this needs the capability of people out of the center of the cities to be able to drive, park and ride.
Further, this needs to be a high speed ride or it will attract few riders. Many folks are interested in a ride that takes them where they neeed to be in less time than it takes to drive.
Monorail in the midddle of the existing highway might be a matter for consideration.
Another concept is targeted trains to specific destinations such as Tucson Airport to Phoenix centere; Tucson to Sky Harbor and Tucson to the Regional airport at Williams Field. Casa Grande to Phoenix and Tucson. Sierra Vista to Benson and Tucson.
Second; Convenience, the thing that makes Europe's public transportation so succcessful, the local transportation cordinates their schedules with the trains. The local light rail and bus lines that serve the train station are there when (or within a few minutes) of the trains arrival. Special trains for sports and other major public events from all terminus (means - end of the line) on the rail line and branch lines.
I-10 is a nightmare, any improvement by adding rail makes sense for the future.
ReplyDelete7 rail and 1 bus - I'd say go with the bus for Tucson to get a better feel for load factors and use. The buses do not have construction costs and are disposable if the loads do not warrant a rail solution at this time. IF money is to be s[pent on a rail solution, I think the light rail should be extended further East to S Power road which would reduce traffic on the 202. I also think extending the rail due west toward Westgate in Glendale would provide I-10 relief. That we know would decrease cars on the road.
ReplyDeleteYes I think a high speed train between Tucson and Phoenix would be a great Ideal. Have it run on the hour every hour from the Phoenix Airport to the Tucson Aiport. Serve beverages and alcohol to help pay for the project. Have a business area a no kid zone for passenger that have to bet ready for work. Have it cost a little more and provide bigger seats wifi, cnn news.
ReplyDeleteTired of driving from Tucson to Phoenix. I'd gladly spend an extra $20-$30 to avoid a lousy, boring 4 hours of freeway to relax instead on a probably less than one hour modern rail ride one way and rent a car - A project providing jobs, increasing the rental car business and tourism between two beautiful cities. Would definitely visit Phx & areas beyond a lot more often. So much to see and do. Win/Win for all.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Anonymous, any improvement by adding rail makes sense for the future.
ReplyDelete