So, Arizona probably just missed making the Top 13 Best U.S. Cities for Public Transit list for the year. After all, people are flocking to our transportation system like crazy!
When reading articles about the successes of light rail and other transportation systems around the country, it’s always interesting to see what is happening in other areas.
I saw another article where the APTA reported that “in major urban areas, individuals on average save $9,656 annually by using public transportation instead of driving.”
So, with the added convenience of living near the light rail line, people are actually realizing that the old “drive until they qualify” mentality doesn’t always make $ense.
For many Americans, the idea of being able to live without a car is unthinkable. In Arizona, however, more and more are thinking it’s a possibility. As fuel costs rise and the cost of housing in some great locations have become more affordable, people are beginning to think more about “location, location, location” again when choosing a place to live. Lifestyle becomes more of a factor as families, students, empty nesters, professionals, and more begin to think about the overall experience of where they choose to live.
While we might not be in the top 13 cities for public transit, the Phoenix area has come a LONG way in the past couple of years. I have a feeling that some of the smart money is looking very closely at some of the changes happening in our “city within cities” that make up the light rail district.
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