Major Phoenix Transportation 2050 Improvements Continue

Press release from the City of Phoenix:

December 18, 2020

Accomplishments Outlined in the 2020 Annual Report

The city of Phoenix recently released the fourth annual Transportation 2050 (T2050) progress report. The report highlights the T2050 programs and projects accomplished and underway during fiscal year (FY) 2020 (July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020) and a financial summary of T2050 sales tax revenues. The report ensures transparency and accountability in the delivery of T2050-funded programs and projects.

The report is available in English and Spanish at phoenix.gov/t2050/progress and on T2050.org.

Major highlights from the FY 2020 report include:

• Since the T2050 program began on Jan. 1, 2016, 257 shade structures (bus stop shelters) have been installed, with another 400 planned to be installed by the end of FY 2025.
• Since T2050’s inception, 359 new buses and 97 new Dial-a-Ride vehicles have been added to the Phoenix fleet. In FY 2020, 61 new buses, three circulator buses, and 25 Dial-a-Ride vehicles were purchased.
• The Public Transit Department continues providing transportation for essential workers every day throughout the pandemic.
• High Capacity Transit continues to make progress with virtual public meetings on the Capitol/I-10 West Light Rail Extension, early construction activities and public meetings for the South Central Extension/Downtown Hub and public outreach on potential corridors and networks for the Bus Rapid Transit program.
• The Street Transportation Department reported Phoenix’s most successful paving season to date. On Dec. 3, 2019 the department celebrated the completion of 296 miles of mill and overlay treatment and 686 miles of other pavement treatments.
• Phoenix installed 181.5 miles of new bicycle lanes since the inception of T2050, with 40.4 miles installed in FY 2020. The city also earned a bronze designation from the League of American Bicyclists for its commitment to improving bicycling conditions.

About Transportation 2050: In Aug. 2015, Phoenix voters approved T2050, a 35-year citywide transportation plan. T2050 is overseen by the Citizens Transportation Commission and includes improved frequency on local bus service, new light rail service and stations and major street improvement projects. Funding for T2050 comes from a 7/10ths of a cent city sales tax that started Jan. 1, 2016. Over the life of the plan, the funds are estimated to generate about $16.7 billion, or more than half of the plan's overall cost. There will be an additional $14.8 billion in federal and county funds, passenger fares and other sources.

For more information, visit the T2050 site or microsite and follow Phoenix Public Transit, Phoenix Street Transportation and Valley Metro on Twitter.

This press release was produced by the City of Phoenix. The views expressed here are the author’s own.