Metro Phoenix Transit/Transportation Developments

[biggus diggus]

Depends where you're going.

[Phxguy]

Have a question...how feasible would it be to reinvest in the originally proposed bus lane and bus station in the I-10 tunnel with elevators taking passengers to and from Hance Park? Would either BART or express buses on the I-10 to downtown be a possibility in the near future?

[exit2lef]

Have a question...how feasible would it be to reinvest in the originally proposed bus lane and bus station in the I-10 tunnel with elevators taking passengers to and from Hance Park? Would either BART or express buses on the I-10 to downtown be a possibility in the near future?

I don't know the details in terms of feasibility, but Hance Park has never struck me as a good place for an express bus station. It's too far north to be within walking distance of the core downtown business district and too far south to be within walking distance of most Midtown office buildings. Passengers would end up having to transfer to light rail to reach their final destinations in most cases.

[TakeFive]

Here's the link to the article for us non-facebook people:

http://kjzz.org/content/505028/changes-coming-popular-phoenix-streets?utm_content=bufferf8442&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer

Both projects have been talked about for a few years and the VB narrowing, I think I've mentioned here before, is one of the reasons I believe you're about to see a major change in Garfield. Night and day difference is coming.

:cheers:

[TakeFive]

Not the biggest of deals but at least worthy of a footnote, I suspect.

While doing some followup to the multi-year trend and sorry state of falling bus ridership across the country I saw where APTA had (finally) posted the TRANSIT RIDERSHIP REPORT for First Quarter 2017. (http://www.apta.com/resources/statistics/Documents/Ridership/2017-q1-ridership-APTA.pdf) Only four cities: San Francisco, Phoenix, Milwaukee and Columbus OH managd to eke out an increase in ridership. Actually Phoenix was up a respectable 6.64%. :tup:

[exit2lef]

Not the biggest of deals but at least worthy of a footnote, I suspect.

While doing some followup to the multi-year trend and sorry state of falling bus ridership across the country I saw where APTA had (finally) posted the TRANSIT RIDERSHIP REPORT for First Quarter 2017. (http://www.apta.com/resources/statistics/Documents/Ridership/2017-q1-ridership-APTA.pdf) Only four cities: San Francisco, Phoenix, Milwaukee and Columbus OH managd to eke out an increase in ridership. Actually Phoenix was up a respectable 6.64%. :tup:

That is good news -- especially since opponents of light rail have often argued that rail transit in Phoenix has grown only at the expense of bus ridership. Bus ridership had been declining here in recent years; I suspect the turnaround is due to recent increases in both frequency and hours of service as a result of the Transit 2050 program. If buses arrive more reliably at the times that people need them, it naturally follows that ridership will increase.

[Obadno]

That is good news -- especially since opponents of light rail have often argued that rail transit in Phoenix has grown only at the expense of bus ridership. Bus ridership had been declining here in recent years; I suspect the turnaround is due to recent increases in both frequency and hours of service as a result of the Transit 2050 program. If buses arrive more reliably at the times that people need them, it naturally follows that ridership will increase.

City is getting denser, parking is getting more expensive, traffic is getting slower. Only natural that people take public transportation if it suites their needs.

[TakeFive]

That is good news -- especially since opponents of light rail have often argued that rail transit in Phoenix has grown only at the expense of bus ridership. Bus ridership had been declining here in recent years; I suspect the turnaround is due to recent increases in both frequency and hours of service as a result of the Transit 2050 program. If buses arrive more reliably at the times that people need them, it naturally follows that ridership will increase.

Well there's no accounting for what conservatives might argue... although in Phoenix it can be a bit more problematic. Since falling bus ridership is occurring all across the country there are myriad arguments being made. My own position is that agencies need to offer a more competitive product.

It's a whole new world made up of millennial, smart phone would-be riders who want a next-gen ride (and this is even true among lower socioeconomic or hispanic riders). My response to the car and road hating Streetsblog crowd went like this:
It's simply a matter of understanding your market, your prospects and what they want and Don't Want. It's a competitive market and a 1970's designed bus ride is NOT what they want. Wanting to outlaw the competition is pointless; it's a non-starter. Instead try stepping up and offering a competitive product. Act like the 2020's will soon arrive and commit to offering a competitive, alluring product. You might just be pleasantly surprised
Not against the many solid urbanist ideas (love Green Streets improvements for example) but you'd have to be familiar with how obnoxious their repetitive talking points can be on Streetsblog (my opinion ofc :D ). My views are much better articulated in a piece by BRIAN ZANGHI, CEO, MASABI / MAY 17, 2017 (http://www.govtech.com/fs/perspectives/How-Smart-Cities-Can-Increase-Public-Transit-Ridership-Industry-Perspective.html)

Can light rail be a partial explanation for bus ridership falling. Hard to know but in any case it's a great argument for more light rail.

Consider the catatonic state of confusion around bus ridership that is cratering in Los Angeles compared to light rail.

Go Light Rail

https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/102H9HNb1y3IYh-C_ZHmYnlfgq0=/0x0:2497x1657/920x613/filters:focal(1050x630:1448x1028):format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/55647999/6977603164_0145f8ca88_o.0.jpg
Photo credit: Steve and Julie (https://www.flickr.com/photos/estebanandjulie/) via Curbed LA (https://la.curbed.com/2017/7/10/15948744/expo-line-reaches-2030-ridership-goal)

Expo Line reaches 2030 ridership goal (https://la.curbed.com/2017/7/10/15948744/expo-line-reaches-2030-ridership-goal)
Despite some delays and crowding, the line is an over-achiever
JUL 10, 2017 BY BIANCA BARRAGAN - Curbed LA
New data from Metro show the Expo Line hit a daily average of 64,000 boardings—a goal that officials didn’t expect the Downtown-to-Santa-Monica light rail line to reach until 2030, Urbanize LA reports.

So while LA's bus ridership is suffering mightily not so their light rail, especially this Expo Line.

Personally I think the issues are mostly apples to oranges.

[muertecaza]

Personally I think the issues are mostly apples to oranges.

Yeah, I don't see light rail as necessarily cannibalizing bus ridership. To me (and I'm just an armchair analyst looking at graphs) their trends seem very independent of each other.

http://i.imgur.com/YnIJATl.jpg

Bus ridership has been plummeting since the Recession, which I assume would mostly reflect people having more money and choosing to drive cars. Light rail ridership on the other hand has seen slow and steady growth.

Note the fiscal year 2017 in the above graph ended June 30, 2017. I'm not sure how the reported increase in bus ridership in Q1 2017 jives with the large decrease in Valley Metro bus ridership numbers in FY2017 overall. I did see that the APTA report has two different ridership numbers--one for Valley Metro, which declined ~5% (in keeping with the graph), and one for "Phoenix PTD" which increased ~6%. I don't know which if either more accurately reflects bus ridership. But I would expect that Phoenix should see ridership gains going forward, as mentioned, due to increased hours of operation.

[biggus diggus]

Hard to say that light rail ridership is cannibalizing bus ridership unless you were able to provide ridership for lines that overlap. I fail to understand how light rail on 19th avenue could hurt bus ridership on 24th Street.

[TakeFive]

http://www.valleymetro.org/images/resized/images/uploads/influx-artists/bloom-banner_600x282.png
Artwork credit: Lauren Lee via Valley Metro (http://www.valleymetro.org/projects_and_planning/art_program)

Valley Metro looking for artists to help with light rail extension artwork (http://ktar.com/story/1652320/valley-metro-looking-artists-help-light-rail-extension-artwork/)
JULY 11, 2017 BY GRISELDA ZETINO - KTAR News
Artists will be tasked with designing and creating artwork that will be incorporated along the South Central light rail extension, which will connect the current light rail system in downtown Phoenix and run south to Baseline Road. The extension is scheduled to be ready by 2023.

http://www.masstransitmag.com/press_release/12360956/artists-for-valley-metro-south-central-extension-selected
The Valley Metro Rail Board of Directors approved contracts with 14 artists for public art elements on the South Central Extension. Many of the artists are from the metro Phoenix area:
Congratulations to all those who were selected:

Adam Vigil, Phoenix
Blessing Hancock, Tucson
Diego Perez, Phoenix
Fortoul Brothers, Phoenix
George Bates, Brooklyn, New York
Hugo Medina, Phoenix
Isaac Caruso, Phoenix
Javier Cordova, Phoenix
Mark Reigelman, Brooklyn, New York
Martin Moreno & Emily Costello, Phoenix
Therosia Reynolds, Phoenix
Thomas Marcus, Scottsdale
Priscila De Carvalho, Long Island, New York
Zarco Guerrero, Mesa

[TakeFive]

Yeah, I don't see light rail as necessarily cannibalizing bus ridership. To me (and I'm just an armchair analyst looking at graphs) their trends seem very independent of each other.

Bus ridership has been plummeting since the Recession, which I assume would mostly reflect people having more money and choosing to drive cars. Light rail ridership on the other hand has seen slow and steady growth.

Great comment

Not sure most would be all that interested or that I'd have the time/energy but there's dramatic changes ahead in bus transit and it's fair to say that a yuge makeover is long past due.

Here's one that's fun and they're selling so many that a new west coast factory recently added capacity to their east coast facility.

A Different Kind of Car Factory Is Opening Up in Los Angeles (https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-07-26/a-different-kind-of-car-factory-is-opening-up-in-los-angeles)
July 26, 2017 by Mark Chediak - Bloomberg
Proterra said its California factory will supply buses for transit agencies along the West Coast. The Burlingame, California, company has orders to fill from cities serving California’s Central Valley to Seattle. It already has a plant in Greenville, South Carolina.

Jay Leno knows the scoop:

9JpMTWdPZ6c

[N830MH]

Hi All,

I spoke with someone on the phone today. She told me that PHX SkyTrain phase 2 to Rent Car Center & West Ground Transportation. They won't be completed in 2022 during at that time. Right now, they are on design. As for West Terminal, there is no plans to be build a new terminal.

Also, as for T4 S1 concourse, right now they are on design. Is schedule to open in 2021. Right now, they are on design phase and then they will start construction sometime in a few months or so.

As for T3 modernization, right now they still ongoing construction. I see they constructed new T3S concourse and it's coming along nicely.

[Obadno]

https://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/news/2017/08/31/depaul-university-substantial-gaps-existin-phoenix.html

It's a good thing we have DePaul to provide such an astute observation

[N830MH]

https://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/news/2017/08/31/depaul-university-substantial-gaps-existin-phoenix.html

It's a good thing we have DePaul to provide such an astute observation

Let make it happen. I would like to take on Amtrak from Phoenix to Las Vegas. It will be much easier for me. I don't have fly. Flying is too extremely expensive. They caused us $269 tickets. Unacceptable! There is no cheap price.

[ASU Diablo]

Hmmm this is the first time I've heard of expanding light rail stops in downtown

https://downtowndevil.com/2017/09/11/86844/downtown-digest-week-of-911-917/

Central City Village Planning Committee

Today, Sept. 11
6 p.m.
Emerson Court, 1817 North Seventh St.
Related to: zoning, light rail

The city’s public transit department will hold a presentation on possible downtown light rail changes. There will be a breakdown of a new state law which regulates “small cell wireless communication facilities.” Another presentation will tackle the Central City Village Character Plan.

City Council Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee

Tuesday, Sept. 12
9 a.m.
City Hall, 200 W. Washington St.
Related to: light rail, Transportation 2050

This week the subcommittee will be discussing possible additions to downtown Phoenix’s current light rail stops. The meeting agenda says the subcommittee will examine “Washington Street, Fifth Street, and Third Avenue to create an enhanced east-west/north-south system intersecting in downtown Phoenix.”

[muertecaza]

Hmmm this is the first time I've heard of expanding light rail stops in downtown

https://downtowndevil.com/2017/09/11/86844/downtown-digest-week-of-911-917/

Very interesting. So from the subcommittee agenda, it sounds like they want to handle having multiple lines by doing an east-west line and a north-south line. I assume that would be something like Mesa to the Capital (once that extension is done) and Metrocenter to South Central (once those extensions are done). Seems like a reasonable way to do it--I have occasionally come from Mesa all the way to Midtown, so that trip would now require a transfer, but I assume for most trips it wouldn't.

EDIT: Looking at the agenda, more or less what I thought appears to be what's being proposed. I had no idea that the Capital extension is currently proposed as a circulator that just goes back and forth between the Capital and Central/McKinley.

...The first phase of the Capitol/I-10 West project is scheduled to also be done in 2023. Capitol/I-10 West will connect downtown with the State Capitol by connecting to existing tracks at First Avenue and Washington Street headed westbound and First Avenue and Jefferson Street headed eastbound. This line is currently planned as a circulator, with no natural connection with trains coming in from the east nor the South Central line. Passenger stations are currently planned around Third Avenue and Washington Street (westbound) and Jefferson Street (eastbound). In this configuration, passengers desiring to transfer between the South Central and Capitol/I-10 West lines would be required to walk between two and four blocks to make connections, to stay on the train until it reaches Van Buren.

That seems like an awful waste, and I'm glad they're rethinking it. The revised proposal is:

The completion of South Central and Capitol/I-10 West first phase creates the opportunity to establish an east-west/north-south system that intersects in downtown Phoenix. This system would alleviate the challenges of the current design and creates efficiencies and opportunities for riders and the City. To make this work, new track will need to be built on Washington Street between Central and First avenues to connect the existing westbound line to the new Capitol/I-10 West line. Additionally, two passenger stations will need to be relocated and another built to create a hub centered between Central and First avenues and Washington and Jefferson streets. The two currently planned downtown stations on Washington and Jefferson near Third Avenue would be shifted east to sit between First and Central avenues. An added station would be located on the east side of Central Avenue between Washington and Jefferson streets. These modifications will allow passenger transfers to be easily accommodated in any direction from downtown Phoenix.

In addition to changes in the passenger stations, new light rail guideway/track is required as part of this plan. Light rail guideway/track needed on Third Avenue between Washington and Jefferson streets as well as on Washington Street between Central and First avenues will connect existing service from east Phoenix, Tempe, and Mesa. These short track extensions are critical links in being able to restructure the current single-line operation into an efficient multi-line system. Without these links, trains will have to divert out of direction along Central Avenue to McKinley Street (closest downtown light rail turn-around track). The out of direction travel would negatively affect ridership by increasing travel time, require additional ongoing operating costs compared to not diverting, and impact automobile traffic on intersecting roadways such as Van Buren Street by increasing the number of trains traveling on Central and First avenues.

The proposed plan also calls for new light rail guideway/track on Fifth Street. This addition provides the ability to switch between the Jefferson Street track to the Washington Street track during light rail construction in downtown. It also allows Valley Metro operational flexibility after construction is complete should there be incidents that temporarily block streets or the light rail guideway in the downtown area. Additionally, the Fifth Street track will provide Valley Metro with a light rail staging area in downtown, enabling the agency to better serve special events. Attachment B depicts the proposed light rail configuration in the downtown area.

The future Capitol/I-10 West project includes track on Washington and Jefferson streets as the alignment extends westward from downtown Phoenix. Constructing the guideway/track from First Avenue to Third Avenue and adding a new connection on Third Avenue between Washington and Jefferson streets provides an opportunity to complete construction in the core of downtown Phoenix during a single construction period. This will eliminate the need for future roadway closures in the core area during the final construction phase of the Capitol/I-10 West project. Additionally, like the Fifth Street improvements, new guideway/track provides Valley Metro operational flexibility after construction is complete should there ever be incidents that temporarily block streets or the light rail guideway in the downtown area.

The City of Phoenix will continue to coordinate with Valley Metro and the Federal Transit Administration to incorporate the necessary adjustments in the appropriate project documents for the South Central and Capitol/I-10 West. To maintain eligibility for federal funding, an environmental evaluation and any other potential requirements will be necessary.

Old Plan:
http://i.imgur.com/nCP1LRXh.jpg

New Plan:
http://i.imgur.com/oEjDUUDh.jpg

[Obadno]

Interesting article form EV Tribune from last weekend talking about a light rail (or other type) transit line from Mesa to Downtown Chandler,

Seems weird that they are actually looking into this, I think that would be a very expensive and underutilized line.

http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/news/mesa-plans-for-light-rail-line-to-chandler/article_a84aa0a4-9364-11e7-8710-9fdf2e76cb10.html

[CrestedSaguaro]

I have a question for you Phoenix freeway guru's.

I have recently acquired a Phoenix Metro map from the end of the 90's that depicts the 143 going past it's current Northern terminus with McDowell and shows a proposed section going all the way up and terminating with Indian School. I've tried searching on this and can't find anything suggest this was ever proposed or planned for the 143.

It makes sense. The alignment on my map lines up with 48th. Along with 48th St., the adjacent park and multi-use path, it looks like there could be enough room to accommodate the 143 if it were ever extended. I've always wondered this and the map I found makes me wonder more.

Was this ever a full proposal? If so, was it public opposition that stopped it, not enough funding or was it never proposed at all and my map is bunk?? :shrug:

[exit2lef]

I have a question for you Phoenix freeway guru's.

I have recently acquired a Phoenix Metro map from the end of the 90's that depicts the 143 going past it's current Northern terminus with McDowell and shows a proposed section going all the way up and terminating with Indian School. I've tried searching on this and can't find anything suggest this was ever proposed or planned for the 143.

It makes sense. The alignment on my map lines up with 48th. Along with 48th St., the adjacent park and multi-use path, it looks like there could be enough room to accommodate the 143 if it were ever extended. I've always wondered this and the map I found makes me wonder more.

Was this ever a full proposal? If so, was it public opposition that stopped it, not enough funding or was it never proposed at all and my map is bunk?? :shrug:

I remember hearing people talk about this idea in the late '80s and early '90s. I think it was planned, or least imagined, at some level but never made the cut for funded projects. The 143, as well as its now-defunct twin the 153, has a long history of changing plans. I don't think it was very well thought-through compared to some of the roads that been built more recently.

http://www.aaroads.com/guide.php?page=s0143az

http://www.aaroads.com/guide.php?page=s0153az

[biggus diggus]

Can't imagine the reaction of homeowners in Arcadia if the State started talking about a freeway ending at Indian School.

re: light rail info above it seems like Central and Washington is going to become a perpetual traffic jam.

[Obadno]

Can't imagine the reaction of homeowners in Arcadia if the State started talking about a freeway ending at Indian School.

re: light rail info above it seems like Central and Washington is going to become a perpetual traffic jam.


So not all that long ago (2011) I was in urban planning classes and the current thought on traffic downtown is essential "It's downtown, who cares about the traffic"

There is a whole school of thought that more traffic downtown is good, it will encourage walking, density, and public transportation.

[N830MH]

Interesting article form EV Tribune from last weekend talking about a light rail (or other type) transit line from Mesa to Downtown Chandler,

Seems weird that they are actually looking into this, I think that would be a very expensive and underutilized line.

http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/news/mesa-plans-for-light-rail-line-to-chandler/article_a84aa0a4-9364-11e7-8710-9fdf2e76cb10.html

No, it's not too expensive. They won't have any problems at all. Those people who prefer to take on light rail. It's their choice.

Hmmm this is the first time I've heard of expanding light rail stops in downtown

https://downtowndevil.com/2017/09/11/86844/downtown-digest-week-of-911-917/

Nice! Let make it happens. We'll see. I am pretty sure about that.

[biggus diggus]

There is a whole school of thought that more traffic downtown is good, it will encourage walking, density, and public transportation.

As far as I'm concerned this is the accurate way to view downtown traffic. If people are speeding through the neighborhood at 30mph there's almost zero chance they will see your store. If you can drive your car from your parking garage to the freeway in five minutes then you have no incentive to walk from work to the train station.

Still doesn't mean I want to sit in it. :haha:

[ASU Diablo]

Hmmm this is the first time I've heard of expanding light rail stops in downtown

https://downtowndevil.com/2017/09/11/86844/downtown-digest-week-of-911-917/

Subcommittee approved the design and moving forward.

https://downtowndevil.com/2017/09/13/86902/subcommittee-moves-light-rail-expansion-forward/

[N830MH]

Subcommittee approved the design and moving forward.

https://downtowndevil.com/2017/09/13/86902/subcommittee-moves-light-rail-expansion-forward/

Awesome! Can't wait to start construction soon. Looking forward to it. They can be so successful.

Thanks for sharing the news. Is that where light rail stop on 3rd Ave & Jefferson?

[CrestedSaguaro]

Subcommittee approved the design and moving forward.

https://downtowndevil.com/2017/09/13/86902/subcommittee-moves-light-rail-expansion-forward/

Awesome to see that they are wanting to move the stops to better locations than what was proposed.

Phoenix Vice Mayor Laura Pastor expressed concerns about safety as the light rail system expands.

“What measures are you taking for future security concerns… How will they be deployed, and where is the funding coming from?” Pastor asked.


Not sure I understand this concern from our VM. Where is the funding coming from? Is Pastor not aware of what we just voted on 2 years ago? :shrug:

[combusean]

Why would these stations in particular have special safety concerns?

I can't help but think these questions are being asked so the questioner can hear themselves speak.

[LocoPhoenician]

Why would these stations in particular have special safety concerns?

I can't help but think they're being asked so the questioner can hear themselves speak.

Skidrow is between downtown and the capital there are large homeless camps which could be a safety concern.

[N830MH]

Skidrow is between downtown and the capital there are large homeless camps which could be a safety concern.

Precisely! There is too many homeless who living on the streets. They have no home, no foods and no friends, as well. They needs a money.

[Phxguy]

Precisely! There is too many homeless who living on the streets. They have no home, no foods and no friends, as well. They needs a money.

Recently, it seems downtown, particularly Civic Space Park, is overrun with homeless. Now that school is back in session, it isn't so apparent with all the students passing through but most of the people in the grass are sleeping. Same with Roosevelt and 7th St. The Circle K on the corner is a magnet for some interesting characters.

But giving them money isn't the correct solution. It's not always that simple.

[exit2lef]

Recently, it seems downtown, particularly Civic Space Park, is overrun with homeless. Now that school is back in session, it isn't so apparent with all the students passing through but most of the people in the grass are sleeping. Same with Roosevelt and 7th St. The Circle K on the corner is a magnet for some interesting characters.

But giving them money isn't the correct solution. It's not always that simple.

Yes, I noticed that with Civic Space Park over the summer. I don't know if it was the ASU students not being around, the lack of programming, or just a rise in the homeless population. Maybe it also has to do with a more vibrant downtown drawing more people of every segment of society. It would be a shame to see that space become like the old Patriot's Square.

[Obadno]

Yes, I noticed that with Civic Space Park over the summer. I don't know if it was the ASU students not being around, the lack of programming, or just a rise in the homeless population. Maybe it also has to do with a more vibrant downtown drawing more people of every segment of society. It would be a shame to see that space become like the old Patriot's Square.

I think it has to do with the summer being slower, Homeless tend to stick to areas where they wont be bothered (unless they are begging) which is why they went to hance park before, with more housing activity going up around Hance they might be shuffling south and Civic space is empty outside of the school year until there is more permanent residency down in the core. Keep in mind that the East and north sides of the park are pretty much empty and some of the people you think are homeless might live in westward ho.

Plus its close to the light rail.

I think the homeless would head down more towards the train tracks and the capitol if we could get some more apartment development on the near east side between filmore and Van Buren.

[exit2lef]

Keep in mind that the East and north sides of the park are pretty much empty and some of the people you think are homeless might live in westward ho.



Yes, that occurred to me. Many of the people hanging out in Civic Space Park look as though they've got nothing to do all day, but not quite at the level of having nowhere to go at night.

[N830MH]

Yes, that occurred to me. Many of the people hanging out in Civic Space Park look as though they've got nothing to do all day, but not quite at the level of having nowhere to go at night.

Right! There is no place to stay. They don't have a family, friends and a few other, as well. There is no way to sleep on the streets. That's a big problems.

[CrestedSaguaro]

Yes, I noticed that with Civic Space Park over the summer. I don't know if it was the ASU students not being around, the lack of programming, or just a rise in the homeless population. Maybe it also has to do with a more vibrant downtown drawing more people of every segment of society. It would be a shame to see that space become like the old Patriot's Square.

And don't forget that Burton Barr being closed most of summer contributing to this. A lot of the homeless hung out at the library to cool off.

[TAZ4ate0]

And don't forget that Burton Barr being closed most of summer contributing to this. A lot of the homeless hung out at the library to cool off.

This.

....is the primary contributor as to the increased presence of homeless in Civic Space park

On a side note, it's sad that the library was damaged so badly as to where it won't be open until approximately June of next year.

[N830MH]

This.

....is the primary contributor as to the increased presence of homeless in Civic Space park

On a side note, it's sad that the library was damaged so badly as to where it won't be open until approximately June of next year.

Yes, they did. Because of the weather. They got badly damage. Due to monsoon storms. They won't be reopened for a quite some time. They need to be fixed. It will take a time.

[exit2lef]

And don't forget that Burton Barr being closed most of summer contributing to this. A lot of the homeless hung out at the library to cool off.

I noticed a big increase in the homeless / Westward Ho population in the park even before the library was damaged. The situation at Burton Barr may be a contributing factor, but something else is going on.

[biggus diggus]

Back in the day Tempe and Phoenix used to trade homeless, if someone caused too much trouble on Mill Avenue they would put them in a car and drop them off in Phoenix. Unsure if that still happens.

[muertecaza]

I'm really impressed with the way Tempe provides easy access to public records and information. I have been looking for a while for bike share ridership statistics. Since Tempe brought their system on board, they have begun publishing monthly ridership numbers. For anyone interested:

http://www.tempe.gov/city-hall/public-works/transportation/bicycle-ped/bike-share-ridership

The reports also have big picture stats for the whole Phoenix-Tempe-Mesa system. I don't know enough context to know whether the stats are good or bad. Also, I assume the months they have (May-July) are probably the slowest for the year. But it will be interesting to keep track.

[exit2lef]

Subcommittee approved the design and moving forward.

https://downtowndevil.com/2017/09/13/86902/subcommittee-moves-light-rail-expansion-forward/

I finally had time to watch the subcommittee meeting and read the documents prepared for it. I understand the two new platforms to be added on Washington and Jefferson between Central and First Avenue. Those make sense for east-west trains running between Mesa and the Capitol.

What confuses me is the proposed new platform on Central between Washington and Jefferson. Would would that do that isn't already accomplished by the existing platform on Central between Washington and Adams?

[TakeFive]

Nothing all that exciting but I can't help but enjoy the work over at CN network. :)

vyVumfu9AwU

[TakeFive]

Here's a recent post should anyone be interested.

It's that time of year when I update what is going on in the world of Light Rail costs.

Portland - finished the Portland-Milwaukie Transit Project in September of 2015. It was 7.3 miles and cost $1.49 billion. That's $204 million per mile.

Charlotte - has postponed the opening of the Lynx Blue Line to UNC from this August to March of 2018. It's a 9.3 mile extension expected to come in at $1.16 billion. That's $125 million per mile.

San Diego - which calls their light rail, Trolleys hopes to finish the 11-mile Mid-Coast Trolley extension by 2021 at a cost of $2.1 billion. That's $191 million per mile.

Seattle - is working on the Lynnwood light Rail Extension and is running $500 million over budget now expecting it to cost $2.9 billion with completion in 2024. At 8.5-miles that's a cost of $341 million per mile.

Phoenix - has the 5-mile South Central segment on fast track planning anticipating a 2019 ground breaking. At an expected cost of $668 million that's $134 million per mile.

There are many factors that can impact the cost of construction and 'cost per mile' is an imperfect comparison. That said, at the end of the day those amounts are what is being spent for whatever reasons.

[TakeFive]

Just Wow

https://static01.nyt.com/images/2017/02/19/travel/26GETAWAY4/26GETAWAY4-jumbo.jpg
Photo Credit: Nick Cote for The New York Times (https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/20/travel/most-pedestrian-friendly-car-free-cities.html)
"In Arizona, the Valley Metro Light Rail runs to downtown Phoenix in one direction and Tempe and Mesa in the other."

8 Pedestrian-Friendly U.S. Cities to Explore (https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/20/travel/most-pedestrian-friendly-car-free-cities.html)
Compiled by JUSTIN SABLICH, SEPTEMBER 20, 2017 - New York Times
Phoenix - take the free people mover PHX Sky Train from the terminals to the Valley Metro Light Rail. Its 26 miles of track run to downtown Phoenix in one direction and Tempe and Mesa in the other. Another 40 miles are planned by 2034, and the transit authority is testing Wi-Fi on the route.

[biggus diggus]

I can't tell if they are dogging on our light rail or praising it.

[Obadno]

Just Wow

https://static01.nyt.com/images/2017/02/19/travel/26GETAWAY4/26GETAWAY4-jumbo.jpg
Photo Credit: Nick Cote for The New York Times (https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/20/travel/most-pedestrian-friendly-car-free-cities.html)
"In Arizona, the Valley Metro Light Rail runs to downtown Phoenix in one direction and Tempe and Mesa in the other."

8 Pedestrian-Friendly U.S. Cities to Explore (https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/20/travel/most-pedestrian-friendly-car-free-cities.html)
Compiled by JUSTIN SABLICH, SEPTEMBER 20, 2017 - New York Times


Wow, I think the progress Phoenix has made perception wise is incredible. 10 years ago I don't think anyone would believe that We could get counted even as a "surprisingly more pedestrian friendly than expected" list.

[TAZ4ate0]

I can't tell if they are dogging on our light rail or praising it.

I don't think they are doing either. But if it were to lean in either direction, I would say it's more like praise.

It's nice to see Phoenix now getting recognition where there wouldn't have been any just a few years ago. Moving in the right direction and it's only going to get better. :tup:

[TakeFive]

Kate • 5 days ago
We need what Phoenix did, too. Alignment with a fleet of minivans that help get people to the light rail. These help commuters not pay to park and get closer to their home.... http://www.aurorasentinel.com/opinion/perry-rtd-loses-train-thought-runs-aurora/

Can anybody clarify or explain what Kate is referring to?

It goes partly to pet peeves I have with some 'urban orthodoxy' and first mile - last mile issues is one area of interest (to me). In fact I recently found a study out of USC which (in effect) would question the priority of frequency over this. I also think it may be more relevant west of the Mississippi or in non-coastal cities.

How transit affects job seekers: The first and last mile to the station make all the difference (https://news.usc.edu/126791/how-transit-affects-job-seekers-the-first-and-last-mile-to-the-station-make-all-the-difference/)
AUGUST 30, 2017 BY Ian Chaffee - USC News
The researchers found that car commuters in low-income neighborhoods in San Diego have about 30 times greater job accessibility than those who take public transit. The team decided to look at San Diego because of its similarities with many other large cities in America’s Sun Belt — for example, Dallas, Atlanta, Phoenix, Orlando, Las Vegas, San Jose and others — which tend to be more sprawling and have less extensive transit infrastructure.

[exit2lef]

http://www.aurorasentinel.com/opinion/perry-rtd-loses-train-thought-runs-aurora/

Can anybody clarify or explain what Kate is referring to?


I've never heard of such a program here in Phoenix. I suspect there's some confusion in her comments.

[N830MH]

The goal now is to create a transfer hub, like you see in other cities, where you can switch train lines from the same platform.

Plans are already moving forward to create a new track that will loop from the downtown core to the State Capitol, but over the last year, designers have realized the current plan will force passengers to get off the main line at one stop and walk four blocks to hop on the Capitol train.

http://www.abc15.com/news/region-phoenix-metro/central-phoenix/changes-coming-to-downtown-phoenix-light-rail-city-council-to-vote-on-tuesday

Hopefully they will be approved today. We will see what happen soon enough.

[muertecaza]

http://www.aurorasentinel.com/opinion/perry-rtd-loses-train-thought-runs-aurora/

Can anybody clarify or explain what Kate is referring to?

It goes partly to pet peeves I have with some 'urban orthodoxy' and first mile - last mile issues is one area of interest (to me). In fact I recently found a study out of USC which (in effect) would question the priority of frequency over this. I also think it may be more relevant west of the Mississippi or in non-coastal cities.

How transit affects job seekers: The first and last mile to the station make all the difference (https://news.usc.edu/126791/how-transit-affects-job-seekers-the-first-and-last-mile-to-the-station-make-all-the-difference/)
AUGUST 30, 2017 BY Ian Chaffee - USC News

The nearest thing I can think of to what she's describing are the Neighborhood Circulators--free "short buses" (for lack of a better term) that serve routes through neighborhoods and do help with first/last mile issues. They are not necessarily specifically to shuttle people to and from light rail, but Tempe's especially do (I believe) all connect to light rail stops.

http://routes.valleymetro.org/timetables/6/route_list

http://www.tempe.gov/home/showdocument?id=36196

I can't think of any "minivans," other than the Dial-a-Ride program.

http://www.valleymetro.org/accessibility/service_areas/phoenix

But that's limited to people with disabilities.

[exit2lef]

http://www.abc15.com/news/region-phoenix-metro/central-phoenix/changes-coming-to-downtown-phoenix-light-rail-city-council-to-vote-on-tuesday

Hopefully they will be approved today. We will see what happen soon enough.

The plan was approved 7-2. The two dissenting votes were, unsurprisingly, from Sal DiCicciio and Jim Waring.

[N830MH]

The plan was approved 7-2. The two dissenting votes were, unsurprisingly, from Sal DiCicciio and Jim Waring.

Awesome! Thanks! :tup:

[TakeFive]

I've never heard of such a program here in Phoenix. I suspect there's some confusion in her comments.
:haha: Very possibly. Oh well.
The nearest thing I can think of to what she's describing are the Neighborhood Circulators--free "short buses" (for lack of a better term) that serve routes through neighborhoods and do help with first/last mile issues. They are not necessarily specifically to shuttle people to and from light rail, but Tempe's especially do (I believe) all connect to light rail stops.

http://routes.valleymetro.org/timetables/6/route_list

http://www.tempe.gov/home/showdocument?id=36196

I can't think of any "minivans," other than the Dial-a-Ride program.

http://www.valleymetro.org/accessibility/service_areas/phoenix

But that's limited to people with disabilities.
Thanks for the info.

There are a number of newer van services in different places from both private companies and municipalities so my antenna perked up when I read her comment. I'm trying to be aware of what's out there and what works and what doesn't. Tempe is obviously doing some interesting things.

[TakeFive]

Friday's mobility follies

Anonymous Bob says it's just fanatics that like to bike - according to the backstory by Laura Bliss of CityLab.
(https://www.citylab.com/transportation/2017/08/meet-the-youtuber-acidly-satirizing-the-war-on-cars/536202/)
tVJI_9h8EHk

[TakeFive]

https://baymcp.com/wp-content/uploads/blog_images/Steve_Urkel_Whoops_Did_I_Do_That.jpg

Hello... that light is red

https://images1.phoenixnewtimes.com/imager/u/blog/9763786/photo-enf-2.jpg

Think of the kids...

https://images1.phoenixnewtimes.com/imager/u/745xauto/9763788/photo-enf-1x.jpg
Red light cameras - City of Scottsdale via New Times (http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/news/vehicles-caught-by-scottsdale-photo-enforcement-often-escape-fines-9763333)

Look Who's Getting Caught by Photo-Enforcement Cameras — and Often Not Paying Fines (http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/news/vehicles-caught-by-scottsdale-photo-enforcement-often-escape-fines-9763333)
OCTOBER 9, 2017 By RAY STERN - Phoenix New Times
City bus drivers running red lights. School-bus and school-district drivers violating traffic laws. Government drivers and agencies ignoring photo-enforcement notices.
So one or two scofflaws?
One of the most striking revelations was Scottsdale's red-light cameras catching 16 Valley Metro buses running red lights in the first half of 2017

[TakeFive]

http://www.huitt-zollars.com/sites/default/files/01-Phoenix-LRT.jpg
Image credit: Huitt-Zollars (http://www.huitt-zollars.com/bldg-transportation/transportation---valley-metro-light-rail-transit-stations)

The Shaping of a ‘20-Minute City’ (http://www.governing.com/blogs/view/gov-tempe-arizona-efficient-sustainable-transportation-20-minute-city.html)
Aiming to build an efficient, sustainable and multi-modal transportation system, Tempe, Ariz., is taking a particularly comprehensive approach.
OCTOBER 9, 2017 By Bob Graves - Governing
Residents' demands for greater mobility are making this issue a priority for mayors across the county. One that is tackling the problem head-on is Tempe, Ariz.
Props to Tempe
As this interview with Mayor Mark Mitchell and the city's sustainability program manager, Braden Kay, shows, Tempe is using a variety of approaches. It's pursuing regional transit coordination, serving as a testbed for new technologies and focusing on long-range mobility solutions.

Good read. :tup:

[CrestedSaguaro]

https://baymcp.com/wp-content/uploads/blog_images/Steve_Urkel_Whoops_Did_I_Do_That.jpg

Hello... that light is red

https://images1.phoenixnewtimes.com/imager/u/blog/9763786/photo-enf-2.jpg

Think of the kids...

https://images1.phoenixnewtimes.com/imager/u/745xauto/9763788/photo-enf-1x.jpg
Red light cameras - City of Scottsdale via New Times (http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/news/vehicles-caught-by-scottsdale-photo-enforcement-often-escape-fines-9763333)

Look Who's Getting Caught by Photo-Enforcement Cameras — and Often Not Paying Fines (http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/news/vehicles-caught-by-scottsdale-photo-enforcement-often-escape-fines-9763333)
OCTOBER 9, 2017 By RAY STERN - Phoenix New Times

So one or two scofflaws?

These employees are being reprimanded at the job level. No need to fine the government entity when the offending drivers are already getting warnings, written up, fired, etc.

[N830MH]

These employees are being reprimanded at the job level. No need to fine the government entity when the offending drivers are already getting warnings, written up, fired, etc.

Right! If he/she who went through the red light. They could be fine, or suspension from work. They will get disciplinary action. If they getting a warnings about go through red lights without green light. You could be caught.

[muertecaza]

Nice development. Bollards haven't been too successful in the Phoenix-area (see McClintock in Tempe) but hopefully these fare better.

https://downtownphoenixjournal.com/2017/10/11/city-of-phoenix-installs-first-protected-bike-lanes/

In an ongoing effort to make City of Phoenix streets safer and more bicycle-friendly, the Street Transportation Department recently installed the city’s first protected bike lanes on 15th Avenue between Van Buren and Jefferson streets.

“This is just the first step in our effort to build safe, protected bike lanes in the City of Phoenix,” said Mayor Greg Stanton. “We’re sending the message that everyone deserves to feel safe on our streets – and these new protections have already improved the transit experience for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.”

The new protected bike lanes along this stretch of 15th Avenue feature a painted buffer zone with flexible bollards that give bicyclists more protection while clearly signaling to drivers the potential presence of bike traffic. The bollards will also help discourage vehicles from illegally parking in bike lanes. The City also added green paint spot treatments to the new bike lanes to help increase visibility and identify areas where bicycle and car traffic might mix...

...With the addition of the new bike lanes on 15th Avenue between Van Buren and the I-17, 15th Avenue now features a nearly 10-mile continuous bike lane system between Dunlap Avenue and the 1-17.

The City will continue to assess new and existing bike lanes and additional mechanisms for creating separation between cars and bikes to promote safe traffic flow for all modes of transportation.

[Tito714]

Is sky harbor getting new landscaping? Passed through today and noticed the grass was all gone.

[biggus diggus]

They likely are just over-seeding it.

To install a winter lawn you have to scalp the Bermuda grass, it grows back when the weather heats up in spring.

[N830MH]

Hi All,

I have heard the T3S is schedule to open in late-2018 or early 2019. Only for south concourse.

As for T3N, right now they are on design phase. It will open in the year 2020.

[TakeFive]

Nice development. Bollards haven't been too successful in the Phoenix-area (see McClintock in Tempe) but hopefully these fare better.

https://downtownphoenixjournal.com/2017/10/11/city-of-phoenix-installs-first-protected-bike-lanes/

https://downtownphoenixjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/bike-lane-500x375.jpg
Photo credit: Downtown Phoenix Journal (https://downtownphoenixjournal.com/2017/10/11/city-of-phoenix-installs-first-protected-bike-lanes/)

The look of progress. :cheers:

With respect to "McClintock in Tempe" are you referring to this (https://kjzz.org/content/548552/mcclintock-bike-lane-controversy-shows-challenges-shifting-tempe-transportation)?

Unsurprisingly, Anonymous Bob has his own distasteful view of Bollards expressed less than a month ago.

rBcbdIsuufU

[Sun Belt]

Cool, but why not just ride on the side walk?

[biggus diggus]

Cool, but why not just ride on the side walk?

Partly because it's not legal but mostly because riding on the street is far safer. Motorists are not looking down the sidewalk when the poke out of a driveway or side street, their eyes are looking at the road to see if any cars are in their way. They're likely to see you riding a bike if you're on the road, but if you're coming down the sidewalk at 15-20mph you're not going to be in their line of sight until it's too late. Getting right-hooked is the biggest danger of riding on the sidewalk yet it still happens from time to time on the road, as well. Imagine traveling down the sidewalk and a car traveling in the same direction passes you and then makes a right turn directly in front of you - rarely does anyone do this intentionally - this mistake is likely to happen because when a driver is not sharing the roadway with you they are far more likely to miscalculate your speed or not notice you. This often results in t-boning the car and injury only to the cyclist.

[exit2lef]

Welcome development: "[Valley Metro] hopes to fix the light rail's public image by implementing a new code of conduct that prohibits unruly behavior and gives light-rail security guards more flexibility to remove passengers."

http://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix/2017/10/13/valley-metro-crackdown-targets-bad-behaviors-light-rail/750819001/

My only concern is that there's no mention of non-service dogs on the train. I've never fe!t at risk on the train due to my fellow humans, but occasionally due to their unconfined canine companions.

[Obadno]

Welcome development: "[Valley Metro] hopes to fix the light rail's public image by implementing a new code of conduct that prohibits unruly behavior and gives light-rail security guards more flexibility to remove passengers."

http://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix/2017/10/13/valley-metro-crackdown-targets-bad-behaviors-light-rail/750819001/

My only concern is that there's no mention of non-service dogs on the train. I've never fe!t at risk on the train due to my fellow humans, but occasionally due to their unconfined canine companions.

For all of the horror stories I have heard, my personal experience on light rail hasn't been that bad, to a degree that's what you are going to get on public transit, especially on public transit that doesn't have a turnstile gate to keep free-loaders off.

Either way this is still a good move, you are on valley metro property, its intended as a conveyance not as a hang out, a place to sleep/urinate etc. They should be removing people not using it for its intended purpose, bothering others or not paying.

[TakeFive]

Welcome development: "[Valley Metro] hopes to fix the light rail's public image by implementing a new code of conduct that prohibits unruly behavior and gives light-rail security guards more flexibility to remove passengers."

http://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix/2017/10/13/valley-metro-crackdown-targets-bad-behaviors-light-rail/750819001/


How timely... this is one of the issues I've specifically been looking at and posted a related comment two days ago which is easy to share. :D

I've also read about the issues in Phoenix so Valley Metro's response is encouraging as I find the current situation discouraging. Per the linked article:
Valley Metro CEO Scott Smith says he hears one common refrain from people fed up with public transportation: "I won't ride the light rail anymore."

It worries him. "The perception of light rail as a safe transportation has suffered. And we hear it a lot," Smith said.
This is not an issue that's unique to Phoenix.
I want to be safe and secure
(and comfy, cozy)

I recently had the 'pleasure' of reading the King County Metro RapidRide Performance Evaluation Report from 2014 (http://metro.kingcounty.gov/am/reports/2014/rapidride-performance-evaluation-report-2014.pdf). Lots of fun and interesting stuff in that pdf. One area where their survey results suffered related to Goal F or "Do you feel your route is safe and secure on and off the bus?" Of the six Rapid Ride routes, three were deemed adequate and three were found to be lacking.

MTS beefs up security on trolley and bus lines (http://www.cbs8.com/story/36490221/mts-beefs-up-security-on-trolley-and-bus-lines)
Sep 30, 2017 By Abbie Alford - CBS 8 San Diego
SAN DIEGO (NEWS 8) - The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System is stepping up security on its trolley and bus lines by adding more uniformed code compliance and security officers checking tickets.

This is more than just about catching fare evaders

"I fee like it's safer now because we have more officers covering the ground in case someone needs help and making sure everyone is safe on the line," said MTS Code Compliance Inspector, Sergio Iniguez.

Chances are that some of the scofflaws are also the rabble rousers on the bus/train so average riders feel more secure when compliance officers are present.

I've now read several cities where security is a growing concern with riders. Given that 'planning' is a male dominated field it's a good idea to give extra care and (reasonable) expense to benefit all our female friends who tend to be more sensitive to their personal security.
And the 1st response I got was this:
A lot of the girls I work with really don’t feel safe taking the train home from downtown late at night. Can’t say that I blame them... with all the homeless people and “scrubs” on the train at night. Shame that downtown seems to be infested with such people. I don’t even walk on 16th anymore, I’d rather walk 15th and hopefully be accosted by less homeless people and heroin junkies
As I said, Phoenix is not unique. One of my overriding themes is that in order for transit to compete they're going to have to offer a more competitive product. Beyond the platitude it gets complicated but transit can and it needs to evolve & improve. A good place to start is that riders are customers and treat them accordingly.

[exit2lef]

As I said, Phoenix is not unique. One of my overriding themes is that in order for transit to compete they're going to have to offer a more competitive product. Beyond the platitude it gets complicated but transit can and it needs to evolve & improve. A good place to start is that riders are customers and treat them accordingly.

Yes, it's hardly unique to Phoenix. As a teenager growing up in the suburbs of NYC, I remember a sort of thrill with riding the big, bad subway before it was cleaned up in the '90s. As an adult, I would not have tolerated it as much. In terms of public perception, some critics have moved on from fatuous, counterfactual statements that "no one rides light rail" and are now scapegoating light rail for crime and homelessness. Neither is good, but it's still a sign of success that light rail is accepted as part of the infrastructure here and now the effort is to make it work as well as possible for passengers using it for its intended purpose.

[exit2lef]

Here's an interesting email I received from the city. Apparently, there's a new partnership with Lyft for rides to and from selected transit destinations. I assume that means light rail stations and express bus park-and-rides, but it will be interesting to learn the details. I might find this useful in the worst of the summer heat when it's too hot to bike to/from the train or wait for a bus transfer.

MEDIA ADVISORY


Phoenix Public Transit and Lyft Launch New Pilot Program

The Phoenix Public Transit Department and Lyft announce their partnership to pilot a new program to provide a safe, reliable and sustainable transportation network. The "First Mile Last Mile" program will provide discounts to Lyft users who are connecting to Phoenix bus lines from homes and businesses. The main goal is to have transit within reach of all Phoenix community members.

New passengers will be able to use the code PHXRIDES to get $5 dollars off their first 4 rides. Existing users can use the code TRANSITPHX to get 20% off their rides to and from select transit stops.

What: Partnership kicks off with a brief presser, free day bus passes and a free $5 Lyft ride to the first 25 attendees!

When: Wednesday, Oct. 18, 9:15 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Where: 27th Avenue / Baseline Park-and-Ride, 27th Avenue on southbound Baseline Road

Scheduled to speak:

Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton

Phoenix Public Transit Director Maria Hyatt

Lyft's Regional General Manager Drena Kusari

Media interested in attending are asked to RSVP to Matthew Heil by email matthew.heil@phoenix.gov or by phone 602.534.0108.

[Sun Belt]

Partly because it's not legal but mostly because riding on the street is far safer. Motorists are not looking down the sidewalk when the poke out of a driveway or side street, their eyes are looking at the road to see if any cars are in their way. They're likely to see you riding a bike if you're on the road, but if you're coming down the sidewalk at 15-20mph you're not going to be in their line of sight until it's too late. Getting right-hooked is the biggest danger of riding on the sidewalk yet it still happens from time to time on the road, as well. Imagine traveling down the sidewalk and a car traveling in the same direction passes you and then makes a right turn directly in front of you - rarely does anyone do this intentionally - this mistake is likely to happen because when a driver is not sharing the roadway with you they are far more likely to miscalculate your speed or not notice you. This often results in t-boning the car and injury only to the cyclist.

I didn't mean it as an insult and what's going on in Phoenix is truly remarkable. It's cool the city is creating bike lanes -- but 15th avenue?

First, police aren't actually enforcing people riding bikes on sidewalks, if they were they would be pulling over little kids in every single neighborhood in America. Secondly, saying it's safer to ride with traffic in the street as opposed to an already separated and dedicated sidewalk -- I'd like to see sources, not that you are wrong, but curious none the less to see the difference in safety.

I'm sure there aren't too many pedestrians on 15th avenue clogging up the sidewalks for cyclists or vice versa where there is just too much cyclist activity hogging the sidewalks from those pedestrians.

If the city creates dedicated bike lanes with dedicated barriers along the arterials with road diets, now that's something else -- I'm all for it!

[exit2lef]

Here's an interesting email I received from the city. Apparently, there's a new partnership with Lyft for rides to and from selected transit destinations. I assume that means light rail stations and express bus park-and-rides, but it will be interesting to learn the details.

This partnership was officially announced this morning. I plugged the code TRANSITPHX into the Lyft app on my phone, and it was recognized as providing 20% off 10 rides within a defined coverage area. There was a link to see the coverage area, and it appears to be designed for rides to and from RAPID express bus park-and-rides in the northern and southern portions of Phoenix. Unfortunately, it does not include rides to/from light rail stations, which is what I had hoped for.

[biggus diggus]

First, police aren't actually enforcing people riding bikes on sidewalks, if they were they would be pulling over little kids in every single neighborhood in America. Secondly, saying it's safer to ride with traffic in the street as opposed to an already separated and dedicated sidewalk -- I'd like to see sources, not that you are wrong, but curious none the less to see the difference in safety.

http://www.bike.cornell.edu/pdfs/Sidewalk_biking_FAQ.pdf
"Bicycling on the sidewalk eliminates the relatively small danger to cyclists of crashes with overtaking motorists, but increases the potential for more common intersection collisions."

http://www.bikemn.org/education/minnesota-bicycling-handbook/dangers-of-sidewalk-riding
"Motorists are looking in the road and not for sidewalk traffic moving at high speeds, such as bicyclists. They often don't see bicyclists there, especially at driveways and intersections. Sidewalks themselves pose dangers to bicyclists. Poor maintenance, uneven surfaces, gaps, and pedestrians make sidewalks difficult and dangerous for bicycles to navigate."

http://mobikefed.org/2016/08/bicycling-sidewalks-not-safe-not-recommended
"MYTH: Riders are safest on the sidewalk. At first glance, it seems like bicyclists are safest on sidewalks, separated from automobile traffic. Riding on the sidewalk does reduce the incidence of crashes involving cars passing bicyclists, but sidewalk riders significantly increase the risk of being hit by turning drivers. A 2009 review of 23 studies on bicycling injuries found the best places for bicyclists to travel were protected bike lanes, closely followed by on-road bike lanes and separated bike paths. It turns out that the most dangerous way to ride is the way many of us were taught as kids: on the sidewalk against the flow of traffic."

This isn't really debatable. Bicycling on the sidewalk is a really good way to get hit by a car.

[TakeFive]

This partnership was officially announced this morning. I plugged the code TRANSITPHX into the Lyft app on my phone, and it was recognized as providing 20% off 10 rides within a defined coverage area. There was a link to see the coverage area, and it appears to be designed for rides to and from RAPID express bus park-and-rides in the northern and southern portions of Phoenix. Unfortunately, it does not include rides to/from light rail stations, which is what I had hoped for.

While I like the idea a lot I agree: no light rail, wtf? Oh well, it's a start.

This has been a bit of an obsession for me :) which I previously mentioned. Time has been scarce so I'll just repost a recent rant.

Turning conventional wisdom on its head

Transit equity and the need to serve lower socioeconomic neighborhoods.
Say wut?
The researchers found that car commuters in low-income neighborhoods in San Diego have about 30 times greater job accessibility than those who take public transit.

Admittedly out of context so let's start at the beginning.

How transit affects job seekers: The first and last mile to the station make all the difference (https://news.usc.edu/126791/how-transit-affects-job-seekers-the-first-and-last-mile-to-the-station-make-all-the-difference/)
AUGUST 30, 2017 BY Ian Chaffee - USC News
The way that public transit riders reach their nearest stop to home could make an important difference in the jobs available to them.

Another itch I've been trying to scratch is how important is the first & last mile - like compared to other things? We pay it occasional lip service and move on to other presumed transit priorities.

What say you USC researchers?
The different ways riders leave and arrive at the stops closest to home and workplaces — what researchers term “first- and last-mile access” — can close this gap, even more effectively than more traditional and costly public transit measures like increasing transit frequency by adding buses and drivers.

Bingo
Those distances that bookend a commute are crucial, according to the study’s lead author, Marlon Boarnet, a professor of public policy and chair of the department of urban planning and spatial analysis at the USC Price School of Public Policy.

[exit2lef]

While I like the idea a lot I agree: no light rail, wtf? Oh well, it's a start.



Here's some coverage that explains the partnership a little more:

http://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix/2017/10/18/lyft-give-discounts-riders-traveling-to-phoenix-bus-stops/774239001/

It's not just express park-and-rides, but any bus stop within the northern and southern ends of the city. That sort of makes sense because those areas have less transit service, so Lyft can be a first mile / last mile solution in those areas. On the other hand, residents of more central portions of the city are more likely to be transit users in the first place.

[exit2lef]

It appears Glendale has suspended its pursuit of light rail. I wonder if the planned line on west Camelback past Grand Canyon University will still go forward within Phoenix city limits. Part of the plan was to continue that line into Glendale when it crosses the city line at 43rd Ave.

"During the Oct. 17 workshop, council could not come to consensus to authorize staff to continue its research on bringing light rail to downtown Glendale. The lack of consensus effectively ended the prospect of light rail coming to town."

http://www.glendalestar.com/news/article_86ae2650-b448-11e7-b089-6fa0bf7ebf88.html

Here's Valley Metro's response:

"Valley Metro will reassess the end-of-line for the project and continue to refine the areas of additional study and identify station locations and traffic configuration. Public outreach will continue throughout the process."

http://www.valleymetro.org/projects_and_planning/project_detail/west_phoenix_central_glendale

[nickw252]

That's a disappointment but not a surprise.

Glendale is cash strapped because of it's horrendous "investments" (aka taxpayer theft) in sports stadiums over the last 15 years. The economy is struggling in Glendale, and people don't want to move there. It's recent decision to effectively push out the Coyotes also seems shortsighted.

It doesn't seem like a huge loss. Aside from the Coyotes and Cardinals stadiums, there weren't a lot of huge ridership draws in Glendale. Hopefully the line will still go by Grand Canyon University, and the Coyotes will move along the light rail in Phoenix, Mesa, or Tempe.

[exit2lef]

That's a disappointment but not a surprise.

Glendale is cash strapped because of it's horrendous "investments" (aka taxpayer theft) in sports stadiums over the last 15 years. The economy is struggling in Glendale, and people don't want to move there. It's recent decision to effectively push out the Coyotes also seems shortsighted.

It doesn't seem like a huge loss. Aside from the Coyotes and Cardinals stadiums, there weren't a lot of huge ridership draws in Glendale. Hopefully the line will still go by Grand Canyon University, and the Coyotes will move along the light rail in Phoenix, Mesa, or Tempe.

I agree. While I'm generally supportive of light rail expansion, Glendale is not in good financial condition and didn't seem to know exactly what it wanted from light rail. A lot of community leaders were advocating for a line to Westgate, despite the fragility of the sports sprawl economy out there. I think it would have been far better to serve more stable and established destinations along 59th Avenue, but that never seemed to be discussed.

My only concerns are the following:

1) I don't know if there will now be enough projected ridership to justify a shorter spur past GCU that doesn't continue into Glendale.

2) Light rail opponents will use this decision by Glendale to claim that Phoenix should abandon or curtail its own investment in rail transit. One already has:

https://twitter.com/SamThePol/status/922472735783116807

https://twitter.com/SamThePol/status/921136994037645312

Thankfully, his boss is outvoted 7-2 on this issue.

[combusean]

It really looks like they're tabling it until their transportation plan is developed so I would assume, accordingly, that they're not going to make it a financial priority unless their transportation plan says it is.

Although Glendale's high sales tax probably precludes new taxes, 50 basis points of their 2.9% sales tax goes to a transportation fund that raises around 30 million a year. It could reauthorize in 2021 unless voters wanted relief from prior mismanagement.

Even if it was renewed, the best they could hope for is a line to downtown, and that's it. I would estimate $400 million to bring it in and the sales tax to raise, at most, $150 million with the rest coming from county and federal funds.

[combusean]

I agree. While I'm generally supportive of light rail expansion, Glendale is not in good financial condition and didn't seem to know exactly what it wanted from light rail. A lot of community leaders were advocating for a line to Westgate, despite the fragility of the sports sprawl economy out there. I think it would have been far better to serve more stable and established destinations along 59th Avenue, but that never seemed to be discussed.

My only concerns are the following:

1) I don't know if there will now be enough projected ridership to justify a shorter spur past GCU that doesn't continue into Glendale.

2) Light rail opponents will use this decision by Glendale to claim that Phoenix should abandon or curtail its own investment in rail transit. One already has:

https://twitter.com/SamThePol/status/922472735783116807

https://twitter.com/SamThePol/status/921136994037645312

Thankfully, his boss is outvoted 7-2 on this issue.

What a troll. Light rail is not going to be stopped for Phoenix's pension issues. This place isn't Stockton.

[biggus diggus]

If the train ran from Grand Canyon University to Downtown Glendale, what route would it take? Running it along Camelback or Grand would be quite a waste as neither would serve much of anything other than light industrial.

[muertecaza]

If the train ran from Grand Canyon University to Downtown Glendale, what route would it take? Running it along Camelback or Grand would be quite a waste as neither would serve much of anything other than light industrial.

I think this is the most recent route:

http://www.valleymetro.org/images/uploads/prop_reports/West_Phoenix_Central_Glendale_Fact_Sheet.pdf

So Camelback --> 43rd Ave --> Glendale, and then jogging up to Glenn rather than going directly through downtown.

[combusean]

If the train ran from Grand Canyon University to Downtown Glendale, what route would it take? Running it along Camelback or Grand would be quite a waste as neither would serve much of anything other than light industrial.

http://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/glendale/2016/05/27/glendale-narrowly-approves-west-valley-light-rail-route/84940344/

The proposed West Phoenix/Central Glendale route:

- From 19th Avenue, it would run 3 miles west along Camelback Road over Interstate 17, past Grand Canyon University and Alhambra High School to the three-way intersection of Camelback, and Grand and 43rd avenues.
- It would turn north and run 2 miles along 43rd Avenue to Glendale Avenue.
- Next, the line would go a mile west on Glendale Avenue to around 51st Avenue, just before the historical and narrow downtown section of Glendale Avenue.
- From there, it would go a block north to Glenn Drive and then turn west through a light-industrial and residential area to near Glendale Civic Center at 59th Avenue — or perhaps farther west over, or under, Grand Avenue and the BNSF rail line.

[muertecaza]

Latest Bike Share statistics for September for those interested:

http://www.tempe.gov/home/showdocument?id=55238

Total Trips in September: 7,503
Total Revenue: $17,822.00

Total number of trips jumped ~37% in September as compared to August, I'm assuming due to weather and ASU students coming back. Tempe accounts for about 3/4 of the increase in ridership month on month. All of the top 5 most used stations are in Tempe, and 7 or the top 10 are in Tempe. 7 of the bottom 10 least utilized stations are in Mesa.

[biggus diggus]

But 43rd and Camelback would, I think, be the most dangerous light rail station around. I have a couple of townhomes there and wow, it's easily the largest concentration of extreme poverty and crime I know of in this town.

On the plus side it would sure get a lot of use.

[N830MH]

What a troll. Light rail is not going to be stopped for Phoenix's pension issues. This place isn't Stockton.

Right! It will not going to stop. They should listen to those people. They want to bring light rail into Glendale. This is not problems about light rail. Don't try to talk about expensive light rail. Those college students had it right to ride on light rail. They want to go to school, college, and a few other, as well. They had respect that. They must accept it!

[Sun Belt]

http://www.bike.cornell.edu/pdfs/Sidewalk_biking_FAQ.pdf
"Bicycling on the sidewalk eliminates the relatively small danger to cyclists of crashes with overtaking motorists, but increases the potential for more common intersection collisions."

http://www.bikemn.org/education/minnesota-bicycling-handbook/dangers-of-sidewalk-riding
"Motorists are looking in the road and not for sidewalk traffic moving at high speeds, such as bicyclists. They often don't see bicyclists there, especially at driveways and intersections. Sidewalks themselves pose dangers to bicyclists. Poor maintenance, uneven surfaces, gaps, and pedestrians make sidewalks difficult and dangerous for bicycles to navigate."

http://mobikefed.org/2016/08/bicycling-sidewalks-not-safe-not-recommended
"MYTH: Riders are safest on the sidewalk. At first glance, it seems like bicyclists are safest on sidewalks, separated from automobile traffic. Riding on the sidewalk does reduce the incidence of crashes involving cars passing bicyclists, but sidewalk riders significantly increase the risk of being hit by turning drivers. A 2009 review of 23 studies on bicycling injuries found the best places for bicyclists to travel were protected bike lanes, closely followed by on-road bike lanes and separated bike paths. It turns out that the most dangerous way to ride is the way many of us were taught as kids: on the sidewalk against the flow of traffic."

This isn't really debatable. Bicycling on the sidewalk is a really good way to get hit by a car.

I think you misinterpreted the point I was making. Cycling closer to traffic or within traffic without physical barriers is more dangerous than the alternative.

Not all bike lanes are created equal. A bike lane created on 15th Ave a couple blocks with new paint and a few of those plastic thingies is not the same as a dedicated bikeway along a major thoroughfare that has physical barriers like concrete walls, planters or using parallel parked cars to separate traffic from cyclists.

FTR: I use my bike often for recreation.

[biggus diggus]

I think you misinterpreted the point I was making. Cycling closer to traffic or within traffic without physical barriers is more dangerous than the alternative.


no. It isn't. Cycling on the road with traffic is safer than cycling on the sidewalk in 100% of instances. If you're on the sidewalk every single time you cross a road or driveway you are flirting with turning cars who simply do not look for you. Do you need more links to actual research? It doesn't matter if the bike lane is protected or not, or if there even is a bike lane. The sidewalk is still more dangerous.

If you want to play the FTR game then I'll just drop the fact that I have well over 50K miles on the road and a vast amount of racing experience. I assure you, based on this conversation, you know very little about bicycling safety.

[Ballister]

no. It isn't. Cycling on the road with traffic is safer than cycling on the sidewalk in 100% of instances. If you're on the sidewalk every single time you cross a road or driveway you are flirting with turning cars who simply do not look for you. Do you need more links to actual research? It doesn't matter if the bike lane is protected or not, or if there even is a bike lane. The sidewalk is still more dangerous.

If you want to play the FTR game then I'll just drop the fact that I have well over 50K miles on the road and a vast amount of racing experience. I assure you, based on this conversation, you know very little about bicycling safety.

That quote is simply bizarre and f'ing hilarious. 50K on the roads and vast racing experience! My oh my. You are shameless.

[Sun Belt]

no. It isn't. Cycling on the road with traffic is safer than cycling on the sidewalk in 100% of instances. If you're on the sidewalk every single time you cross a road or driveway you are flirting with turning cars who simply do not look for you. Do you need more links to actual research? It doesn't matter if the bike lane is protected or not, or if there even is a bike lane. The sidewalk is still more dangerous.

4000 pedestrians are killed each year in the US.

Why have sidewalks at all then? Maybe we should just have people walk in the streets with traffic, bc sidewalks are dangerous and difficult to see those pedestrians. Phoenix isn't really a pedestrian city anyways, so why waste precious funds on arbitrary lanes along 15th avenue. The city should fund legit thoroughfares along heavily used routes.

Cycling with traffic is more dangerous than without. Phoenix should focus on building separated bikeways. Those are much much more safe than 15th ave bike lanes.

[exit2lef]

90% of the time, I would agree with biggus. The sidewalk is fine for pedestrians. In fact, it should be their protected space. It's usually not a good place for bicycles because motorists seldom expect something moving as fast as a bicycle to approach from that angle. That said, nothing is absolute. Last night, I rode home from Biltmore Fashion Park. The segment of 24th Street from there up to the Arizona Canal has a long sidewalk with few, if any, pedestrians and no driveway interruptions. In that situation, I made the decision that riding along that sidewalk was safer than claiming a lane on 24th Street. I'll use a bike lane whenever it's provided, and I'll claim a lane on local streets. Last night was one case, however, in which a little sidewalk riding made a lot of sense. While I generally don't recommend sidewalk riding, especially against traffic, we shouldn't shame non-vehicular cyclists for using the sidewalk when that behavior may simply be a response to inadequate infrastructure.

[biggus diggus]

you're right, exit2lef, I shouldn't have made such a 100% blanket statement. Riding on the sidewalk on NB 24th Street between Thunderbird Trail and the canal is probably the safest option.

And ballister, I'm not sure what you see wrong with my statement. If Sun Belt wanted to swing around his experience to try to validate his point (which is indisputably wrong if you do ANY reading on the subject) I will win that game all day long.

[exit2lef]

Back to the Glendale light rail issue, here's the video of the council discussion and vote:

http://glendale-az.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=2&clip_id=2718#

The main problem seems to be that funding is available only to build light rail to 51st Ave / Glendale, which is essentially the eastern end of Downtown Glendale. Some council members felt that light rail would inevitably have to extend west of Grand Avenue on its way to Westgate and feared paying the bill for that. Of course, there were plenty of other arguments based on perceptions surrounding crime, ridership, and competing needs.

[Ballister]

you're right, exit2lef, I shouldn't have made such a 100% blanket statement. Riding on the sidewalk on NB 24th Street between Thunderbird Trail and the canal is probably the safest option.

And ballister, I'm not sure what you see wrong with my statement. If Sun Belt wanted to swing around his experience to try to validate his point (which is indisputably wrong if you do ANY reading on the subject) I will win that game all day long.


Yes, Mr. President. :)

[CrestedSaguaro]

you're right, exit2lef, I shouldn't have made such a 100% blanket statement. Riding on the sidewalk on NB 24th Street between Thunderbird Trail and the canal is probably the safest option.

And ballister, I'm not sure what you see wrong with my statement. If Sun Belt wanted to swing around his experience to try to validate his point (which is indisputably wrong if you do ANY reading on the subject) I will win that game all day long.

I've actually seen plenty of riders killed from behind strikes and have been "swiped" myself by mirrors a couple of times here in Phoenix which has completely scared me off the roads. So, I will choose to ride the sidewalk if I absolutely have to if there are no bike lanes on the road.

With that being said, riding on a sidewalk is the responsibility of the rider and the rider needs to be 100% aware of his surroundings while on the sidewalk. I slow down for every single driveway and crosswalk to avoid not being seen by drivers. I would also like to point out that nearly every multi-use path in Scottsdale shares the path with a sidewalk at some point or another...especially along Pima and Hayden.

I do agree with you, the average Joe should not ride on the sidewalks. But an experienced rider should no better that if he does, he has the responsibility to watch for traffic and it can be done safely without interfering with right of way traffic.

On a side note...good that you ride so much! I myself ride 30 to 50 per day :tup:

[exit2lef]

Interesting blog post comparing a decision to proceed with a light rail extension in the Sydney suburbs with Glendale's recent decision.

https://nextcity.org/daily/entry/light-rail-bus-rapid-transit

[Sun Belt]

Ok, I think we can all agree that this is safer than what is being installed on 15th ave.


http://www.vancitybuzz.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/5973062084_b5290ec5ac_b.jpg

Biking on the street, protected by a physical barrier, separated from the sidewalk. More of this should be installed in Metro Phoenix on busy thoroughfares.

That physical barrier could also come in the form of parallel parked cars also.

[exit2lef]

Ok, I think we can all agree that this is safer than what is being installed on 15th ave.


http://www.vancitybuzz.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/5973062084_b5290ec5ac_b.jpg

Biking on the street, protected by a physical barrier, separated from the sidewalk. More of this should be installed in Metro Phoenix on busy thoroughfares.

That physical barrier could also come in the form of parallel parked cars also.

Yes, that's what we really need. I'd love to see that done on Fillmore between Central and 7th Street. The green lanes and sharrows there are a start, but given the relatively low volume of traffic on Fillmore, we would take away a travel lane on each side without inducing carmaggedon. It would then become a protected corridor connecting ASU Downtown to the Phoenix Biomedical Campus.