The subject of light rail extensions in East Valley cities of Mesa and Tempe have come up in several conversations that I have had with people recently. Mesa and Tempe both appear to be very interested in expanding their light rail system. I have long been of the opinion that Main Street is a great fit for light rail as Mesa has struggled to revive their downtown for as long as I can remember. (I believe the shops along Main Street fit well with a "TOD" planning system.) As a Tempe resident, you can probably guess how I feel about that extension.
While the Northwest extension is scheduled to begin this summer, many questions remain concerning the fate of other cities interest or ability to bring light rail to their citizens. A great example of these questions can be found in an article written by our friend, Kerry Fehr-Snyder, from the Republic. This morning, Kerry wrote “Gilbert light rail link may be weakening” which raises several good points. Of course, funding of the systems is always a major hurdle while demand is debated like crazy. Of the extension plans mentioned in the past, one idea has been to use Gilbert Road as a major hub. Will Gilbert residents embrace light rail? Would it simply be a costly novelty or an effective way to move people? According to some of the comments on one of Gilbert’s most popular blogs, it appears that Jay Thompson’s readers might be very interested.
If interested in adding your .02 about extensions, you can take a survey concerning the Tempe South study which appears to be moving forward rather quickly. So far, many people mention to me that they like Rural Road as a South extension in Tempe, mainly because it would appear to be the easiest route to get to Scottsdale. The issues with Rural Road are many and the cost to get past the railroad tracks South of University is another major hurdle. Mill Avenue and a “modern streetcar” system appear to be a favorable route to several people. A “streetcar” is kind of a smaller version of light rail. Some of your answers to Tempe South questions can be found on Metro’s site.
It will be interesting to see how the cities react to the current economic climate. There is always the double edged sword of cost and demand. In a bad economy, people might need public transportation more than ever, yet the sales tax portion of the funding for systems appears to be harder to find. Many issues effect demand and the political process is always pretty intense when dealing with so many dollars.
I agree with a Main Street alignment for Mesa as a better choice than 1st Avenue or 1st Street — the two alternatives looked at. The only alternative route that makes any sense to me is one not considered in the study — a route going along Southern serving MCC, the Banner Hospital, and Fiesta Mall. I’d see that as a spur to supplement a line to Downtown Mesa, not a replacement for it, though.
As for the southern Tempe route, Rural Road is fine if the issues with the freight railroad tracks can be overcome. Nevertheless, people should not cheer for Rural just because they think it will take them to Scottsdale. Remember, at this point, Scottsdale has not committed to a single mile of rail within its borders, and therefore none of the Proposition 400 funds are allocated toward rail within that community. If Scottsdale ever decides to participate in light rail, there will be significant funding challenges since Scottsdale may have to come up with the money on its own.
This is going to be a really interesting thing to watch.
In Washington, DC, the Georgetown area wanted nothing to do with the Metro in the 1970s, 80s and 90s. They thought it would bring transients and undesirables.
They are hurting now because all these great shops, restaurants and venues have popped up around metro stops, especially in areas that were previously depressed.
Georgetown, meanwhile, is having a difficult time. It used to be a college hangout (remember St. Elmo’s Fire?). You have to take a taxi or bus to get to that part of town. So, people go elsewhere.
Who will make that mistake here?