In a bold move to address the city’s growing transportation challenges and foster a more sustainable and livable future, Phoenix has recently announced a comprehensive 35-year plan to expand and enhance its public transit system. The ambitious plan, titled “Phoenix Transportation 2057,” aims to increase ridership, decrease congestion, and promote equity, health, and economic vitality for all residents and visitors.
Overview of the plan
The Phoenix Transportation 2057 plan comprises several interconnected projects and initiatives that will transform the city’s transportation landscape over the next three decades. Some of the key features of the plan include:
- Adding 42 miles of light rail, 27 miles of bus rapid transit, and 60 miles of streetcar to the existing network of 28 miles of light rail and 76 miles of bus routes.
- Building several new transit centers, park-and-ride facilities, and mobility hubs that offer seamless connections between different modes of transportation, such as biking, walking, carpooling, and ride-hailing.
- Upgrading and modernizing the existing transit infrastructure, such as adding more comfortable and accessible stations, improving signal priority and traffic flow, and deploying smart technology for real-time tracking and scheduling.
- Prioritizing transit-oriented development (TOD) around the transit corridors, which encourages mixed-use, higher-density, and affordable housing, as well as retail, services, and employment centers, within walking distance of transit stops.
- Investing in sustainable and active transportation options, such as expanding the bikeway network, improving pedestrian safety and accessibility, and promoting electric and alternative-fuel vehicles.
- Enhancing the transit experience for all users, including seniors, people with disabilities, low-income communities, and tourists, by offering affordable fares, multilingual information, improved safety and security, and cultural and artistic amenities.
Benefits and challenges of the plan
The Phoenix Transportation 2057 plan has the potential to bring many benefits to the city and its residents, such as:
- Reducing traffic congestion and air pollution, which can improve public health, quality of life, and economic competitiveness.
- Increasing mobility and accessibility, which can expand job opportunities, education, and social connections, especially for disadvantaged groups.
- Encouraging compact and sustainable growth, which can reduce sprawl, preserve open space, and enhance the sense of place and identity.
- Stimulating economic development and investment, which can create new jobs, attract businesses, and increase property values, especially near the transit corridors.
- Fostering innovation and collaboration, which can bring together public, private, and community stakeholders to solve complex transportation challenges and co-create a shared vision for the future.
However, the Phoenix Transportation 2057 plan also faces some significant challenges, such as:
- Funding: The plan requires a significant amount of investment, estimated at $36 billion over 35 years, which may require new sources of revenue, such as federal grants, private partnerships, or voter-approved taxes or bonds.
- Implementation: The plan involves many interdependent projects and stakeholders, such as multiple city departments, regional authorities, transit agencies, contractors, and communities, which may require strong coordination, governance, and accountability mechanisms.
- Opposition: The plan may face resistance from some residents, businesses, or interest groups who may oppose the changes in their neighborhoods, such as increased density, traffic, noise, or property values, or who may prefer other modes of transportation, such as cars or Uber.
TL/DR
The Phoenix Transportation 2057 plan represents a bold and visionary approach to addressing the transportation challenges of a rapidly growing and diversifying city. By expanding and enhancing its public transit system, Phoenix can reduce car dependence, increase mobility and accessibility, and promote a more sustainable future.