Phoenix And Valley Metro Seek Input On Capitol/I-10 West Light Rail Extension

Press release from the City of Phoenix:

May 20, 2020

Valley Metro and the city of Phoenix invite the public to attend an online public meeting for the latest update on the Capitol/I-10 West Extension. The virtual public meeting materials are available begninning next week. The Transportation 2050 funded light rail extension will ultimately connect riders from the current Valley Metro Rail system to the state capitol and west Phoenix.

The online presentation will include an overview of the preferred downtown route based on feedback gathered from the public in January 2020. Additional comments will be requested regarding the type of transit for the section between the state capitol and 79th Avenue, and whether the route should be extended from 79th Avenue to Desert Sky Mall.

The meeting materials can be accessed any time from May 27 through June 30, 2020 by visiting valleymetro.org/capitol.

• All meeting information will be provided in English and Spanish.

• Participants can provide their comments and feedback within the online platform.

• Questions or comments may be submitted in either language.

• Comments can also be submitted verbally during a call-in meeting on June 16 from 6-7 p.m. or June 20 from 10 to 11 a.m.

About Transportation 2050: In Aug. 2015, Phoenix voters approved Transportation 2050 (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 page or follow Phoenix Public Transit, Phoenix Street Transportation and Valley Metro on Twitter.About Valley Metro: Valley Metro provides eco-friendly public transit options to residents of greater Phoenix and Maricopa County including the planning and operations of a regional bus system and the development and operations of 28 miles of light rail. In Fiscal Year 2019, total ridership for the system was 64 million passengers. Six high capacity transit extensions are under construction that will create a 50-mile system by 2030. Valley Metro also offers transit options including alternative transportation programs for seniors and people with disabilities, commuter vanpools, online carpool matching, bus trip mapping, bicycle safety and telework assistance. Two Boards of Directors set the policy direction for the agency with the intent of advancing the regional public transit system. In October 2017, the Boards approved a “Respect the Ride” Code of Conduct, focusing on creating a safe and positive rider experience, while also discouraging disruptive, intrusive, unsafe or inappropriate behaviors in a public setting. Get the latest news by following on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter or visiting valleymetro.org.

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