Where Do You Want To See New Public Transit In Phoenix?
Phoenix’s new public transit project could be a surprise to some people. That’s because the pandemic has made gathering community input challenging.
Phoenix has identified six potential corridors for a new type of public transportation for the city called Bus Rapid Transit. It’s designed to move more people faster on major roads. Elements could include dedicated lanes to separate buses from traffic, signal priority for buses at intersections, advanced fare collection, and custom buses with platform level boarding and multiple doors.
A virtual presentation on the city’s website explains the focus is on establishing a foundation network of three corridors that will be the most productive and have the highest demand and need.
Potential corridors include Camelback, Indian School, Thomas and McDowell roads and 19th and 35th avenues. Unlike RAPID and Express bus service, which are designed to serve commuters during morning and afternoon rush hours, Bus Rapid Transit is for all users and runs 12 hours a day.
The online presentation is accepting public comments through Dec. 18. Using feedback and data, city staff will then recommend three corridors to the City Council.
Bus Rapid Transit is part of Phoenix’s long-term plan called Transportation 2050. Funding comes from a voter-approved proposition that took effect January 1, 2016. It extended and raised an existing sales tax to help fund Transportation 2050 with additional money coming from federal and county governments, passenger fares and other sources. The sales tax dedicates 7/10th of a cent, or 70 cents on a $100 purchase, to the plan until 2050.
