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Public Transit Takes Spotlight in Week of Events at Valley Metro; Prop 104 Passes, Foxx Visits, Light Rail Opens

Proposition 104, a ballot measure in Phoenix whose provisions include expanded light rail and bus service along with street improvements and the addition of bicycle lanes, passed Aug. 25 with a preliminary count of 55 percent of the vote, capping several days of successful events for Valley Metro including the opening of its first light rail extension.

“Tonight, the total transit network in metro Phoenix is becoming more of a reality,” said Valley Metro Chief Executive Officer Steve Banta at an election night event. “With the passage of Phoenix’s Proposition 104, we are creating mobility options for current and future residents and business interest in our community. The uncertainty in Congress will not affect Phoenix’s bright and bold transit future.”

Prop 104, also known as “Transportation 2050,” raises the existing 0.4 percent public transit sales tax to 0.7 percent and changes its designation to a transportation tax. The existing measure funded Phoenix’s bus and light rail operations and Dial-a-Ride paratransit, while the vote incorporates other transportation elements.

The plan will triple the number of light rail miles in Phoenix, add 42 miles of bus corridors across the city, pay for longer hours of bus operation and fund repaving of 680 miles of major streets. The transportation tax is projected to generate $16.7 billion from taxes over 35 years.

David Krietor, president and chief executive officer of the advocacy group Downtown Phoenix Inc., added, “Passage of Prop 104 is a big step forward for the city of Phoenix and a monumental victory for the downtown as it continues its evolution as a live/learn/work/play destination. The transportation plan will accelerate the positive momentum we’ve experienced the last 10 years.”

Downtown Phoenix Inc. joined Valley Metro in hosting a community breakfast celebration of Prop 104 the morning of Aug. 26.

The successful vote followed two other high-profile events for Valley Metro: an Aug. 21 visit by DOT Secretary Anthony Foxx, who announced a $30 million local fund to promote transit-oriented development (TOD) in low-income communities, and the Aug. 22 opening of the Central Mesa Light Rail Extension, which serves downtown Mesa. (The grant builds on the agency’s previous success in spurring TOD along its light-rail corridor. See the Aug. 10 Passenger Transport.)

“The transit-oriented development program shows that Phoenix has a tremendous strategy to ensure that the benefits of investing in transit reach every neighborhood,” Foxx said.

“I encourage Phoenix to boldly pursue transit projects that are important to its future and that will pay them back in economic and social capital for many years to come.”

Foxx described the role of two ­Phoenix area organizations, the Local Initiatives Support Corporation and Raza Development Fund, to establish the fund to seed TOD along light rail corridors. The new capital builds on an earlier effort by the partners that provided $20 million in seed money in 2011 to support 2,000 units of affordable housing and 205,000 square feet of retail and community space. The fund leveraged $387 million in total investment activity.

During Foxx’s visit, his first to the Phoenix metropolitan area, he took a preliminary ride on the light rail extension to Mesa and visited with city leaders to learn more about their transportation vision.

Valley Metro kicked off service on the 3.1-mile extension with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Center/Main Street Station, followed by the distribution of 3,500 free commemorative passes and celebrations at four new stations along the route. The line entered service seven months ahead of schedule.

“Light rail has generated an $8.2 billion investment along the first 20 miles into Phoenix, Tempe and Mesa, and with this extension we know that investment is only going to grow,” said Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton. “More residents have greater access to jobs, education, medical appointments, shopping and entertainment.”

Mesa Mayor John Giles added, “Today, a dream for many becomes reality. Light rail is rejuvenating downtown Mesa, offering residents and visitors across the valley an opportunity to travel to new destinations and discover Mesa.”

Prior to the opening of the line, Valley Metro hosted a reception to honor the people who were instrumental in getting it built and completed and the sponsors of the opening-day celebration. Also in attendance were the local and national artists who designed the unique artwork at each of the four new stations.

Construction of the light rail extension began in 2012, generating more than 700 jobs annually during the peak construction period. Funding for the line included a $75 million FTA grant, $71 million in countywide transportation tax funds and $53 million in federal air quality funds.

With a burst of confetti, Valley Metro opened its first light rail extension at the Center/Main Street Station in downtown Mesa.

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