Bus feeder lines will probably be my biggest concern. I’m in north Phoenix and can take a bus to the rail line. But I’d really love to see it expand further north, and beyond, of course. I’d love to see our transportation system being as effective as possible, particularly for those who do not have access to move from one place to the next otherwise.

I think the community, in general, will become more involved in future planning, now that they can see for themselves how Light Rail really is benefitting the whole.

But I encourage you to ignore the naysayers, Will. There will always be people whose minds will not change. Whether it’s because of the money, the intrusion, whatever the reason, they will choose to believe what they want.

And as you noted, it looks to be quite a seamless system. I was deeply impressed with how little space it actually takes up on Central Avenue, for instance. From my perspective, it looks as though it’s always been there.

This is a huge moment for the Valley. Just look at the news reports this morning. You probably read comments from people who were seeing parts of the Valley never open to them before–maybe they don’t drive, don’t have a car, whatever. That was such an eye-opener even to me–a pleasant one.

Thanks for continuing the dialogue.

Jackie

There are valid reasons to doubt the rail, but they weren’t presented in this article. This article simply affirms the naysayers’ belief that anyone who likes this has “drank the kool aid.” Did you know that the NYC subway, in its infancy, was called the designer’s folly? There will always be enemies of big projects, but sometimes big projects are necessary.

Friends and family are generally mixed. We agree that politics and bad planning can ruin a project like this- bad placement of tracks is a big concern. I think this is one of the best possible routes for a system backbone though. The terminating Park N Rides are mostly outside of the rush hour snarl, and the route connects the valley’s core. Hopefully bus feeder lines will improve and extend the rail benefits beyond the immediate area. Expansions need to be carefully planned to continue connecting the city centers of Glendale, Scottsdale, and Mesa as well as population centers in the North and West Valley.

What irritates me most is that, after the money has already been spent, naysayers don’t change their tune. At this point its not about money, since success benefits all taxpayers. At this point they’re just bitter, crochety people with nothing to do but complain.

Great idea to go car free. I’d love for you to come back and report how that’s going. Maybe you’ll let me tag along with you mid-point.

Anyone else planning to go car free?

Thanks for joining the conversation here at The Phoenix Traveler.

Jackie

I can see how the journalist might see light rail this way–it seems like just a dent in the transportation system as it is now. I think with a continued to push to try it out, people will like it and begin to rely on it. Your 5-year bet is a smart one. It might take that long to move this system into mainstream minds.

Right now, it surely could seem like a mere novelty to some, such as that AP reporter. To those of us who live here and know the Valley well, this is a huge and exciting event.

It’s already spurred new businesses, which I think is a huge test of faith. I wish I had more opportunity to ride, but since I work from home, it won’t be a daily habit for me; however, I have some upcoming meetings in Tempe and Mesa, so I’ll be exercising this new option soon.

What are your family, friends and colleagues saying about light rail?

Thanks for visiting The Phoenix Traveler.

Jackie

Call me in 5 years, and if Phoenix hasn’t reaped benefits from this system, I owe you lunch.