Phoenix Zoo, Phoenix ASU, Tempe Destinations is the official newsletter of the Regional Public Transportation Authority Neil G. Giuliano Mayor of Tempe Premier Issue Winter 1997 The supporters of a transit tax for Scottsdale and Phoenix felt as if they d just been run over by a bus. (Referring to the failed transit tax elections on September 9, 1997.) The Arizona Republic, September 11, 1997 It is time to move on. The Chairman official to be at the helm of the of the Regional Public Transportation Valley s only regional transportation Authority Board of Directors agrees. planning agency. His strongest Neil G. Giuliano, who serves as both convictions, when it comes to the Chairman of the RPTA Board, governing, is getting the community to and the Mayor of Tempe, expresses participate in making the decisions disappointment but believes there is that will affect them. hope for the future of improved transit throughout the Valley. As an advocate of collaboration and consensus building, Giuliano has experienced success with the City of Mayor Giulianos Views on Transit Tempe on an equally taxing issue. That community passed their own half cent transit tax in September of 1996. By doing so, Tempe residents seek to keep their community moving for the generations yet to arrive. It s critical that when we make a One of the lessons We will continue to work with the decision as a community, we live with citizens and go back to the community. the ramifications of that choice, That is our responsibility, to offer Giuliano says. Yet at the same time, relationships and them (the citizens) the best in people need to support what they help associations over transportation alternatives, Giuliano to create. Well said. If you need states. As a planning and coordinating further proof that his political heart is agency of regional transit, he believes in the right place, know that he it is RPTAs role to communicate recognizes the need to bring value to clearly how it must prepare to meet public programs and value to the the needs of a future that includes citizens who are paying for those. I’ve learned is that time are the strongest assets for building a community and getting things accomplished Mayor Neil Giuliano more people and more cars. As a person, a mayor, and the Giuliano looks at the issue through Chairman of the RPTA, Giuliano is the eyes of a realist and a futurist, As soft-spoken, yet matter-of-fact. His much as we don t want to realize it, we presence is powerful in an understated are a metropolitan area, not a quiet, way. When not tending to the duties little western town. as Mayor of Tempe or RPTA Getting closer to the community will hopefully be the key to unlock the Valley s transportation solutions. If so, Giuliano is a most fitting elected Chairman, Giuliano is guiding those who also want to serve their community by instructing a leadership class at ASU. (continued on page 6) Chaimans Corner Arrowhead Mall, Glendale New Format & Credits W Destinations is available on audio tape and in braille. If you know of anyone who might be interested in receiving Destinations in either format, please call RPTA’s Lillian Duarte at 534-1937. Destinations is the official newsletter of the Regional Public Transportation Authority (RPTA). It is published with a circulation of approximately 6,000 copies. We welcome your letters, comments and suggestions. elcome to the new official newsletter of the Regional Public The RPTA is a political subdivision of Arizona overseen by a ten-member board of elected officials, and was created by voters in 1985 with the passage of Proposition 300. Membership is open to all municipalities in Maricopa County and to the County government. Transportation Authority and Valley Metro! Destinations is The mission of RPTA is to promote the social and economic well-being of the community through an efficient and effective regional transit system as a valued and significant component of the transportation network. designed to provide current news and information about transit and To receive future copies of Destinations please write or call: transportation issues throughout Regional Public Transportation Authority 302 N. First Ave., Suite 700 Phoenix, Arizona 85003 602/262-7242 the region. Destinations is also an educational publication which RPTA Board of Directors: will address transit and transport- Chairman: Mayor Neil Giuliano, Tempe Vice Chairman: Mayor Skip Rimsza, Phoenix Treasurer: Mayor Wayne Brown, Mesa ation innovations happening here Councilman Greg Bielli, Scottsdale Mayor Cynthia Dunham, Gilbert Councilwoman Esther Flores, El Mirage Mayor John Keegan, Peoria Mayor Thomas Morales, Avondale Mayor Elaine Scruggs, Glendale Supervisor Don Stapley, Maricopa County Mayor Jay Tibshraeny, Chandler in Arizona and around the country. Managing Editor: Matt Ortega Editors and Contributors: Laura Griffin, Angie Harvey, Chris Rossi, Susan Tierney Graphics: Mike Smith Selected Photos courtesy of Katrina Sherk Regional Public Transportation Authority For the Record Phoenix/Scottsdale Election Results Election results for Tuesday, September 9, 1997 Phoenix Scottsdale Proposition 1: Proposition 1: Would increase the city sales tax by one-half cent for expanded bus service, street improvements and future rail service as approved by the city council. Would increase the city sales tax by one-half cent to pay for expanded bus service, road and bridge widenings and other traffic improvements. Yes: No : 54, 685 54, 807 Yes: No: 7,671 13,634 Total 109,492 Total 21,305 49.95% 50.05% 36.0% 64.0% Total number of registered Scottsdale voters: 107,184 margin: 122 votes Proposition 2: Votes Needed For 50% Approval Would allow the City Council to spend funds raised by Proposition 1 The September 9th election was marked by the closest vote in recent Phoenix history, as well as a strong interest in mail-in ballots. Yes: No : 53, 819 55, 847 Total 109,666 49.08% 50.92% margin: 2,028 votes Total number of registered Phoenix voters: 538,716 2 * * PURPLE indicates number of votes needed for 50% approval. T he incredible economic we take these things for granted. growth in the Valley in When I was raising my family in the last thirty years has Chinle, Arizona, air quality was brought many benefits not the issue it is today. Now to area residents. Job growth has that I have a responsibility to the been tremendous; the economic entire state of Arizona, clean air boom has brought stability and is a high priority, one I share even a substantial surplus to the with many Valley leaders. state budget. My agenda is one that will seek the best and most practical solutions, and get the most bang for the buck from our precious taxpayer dollars. Viewpoint What About Transportation? Properly managing our But as with all successes, we transportation system requires have experienced some growing the cooperation of every level pains. We have done, however, of government to use creative our very best to address issues and innovative ideas to maximize that arise as a consequence of our transportation dollars. My our development of the desert. agenda is one that will seek Our children are relying on us to the best and most practical ensure that they can grow up in solutions, and get the most a city that is safe, healthy, and bang for the buck from our easy to get around in. Too often, precious taxpayer dollars. n Governor Jane Hull A utomobile use contributes up to seventy- "APS is excited to be able to offer this commute option five percent of the Valley’s wintertime air to employees. We are supplementing the existing transit pollution. The single most effective system and filling a need that public transportation strategy for reducing carbon monoxide and can’t at this time," says David Jallo, APS Environmental particulate pollution is to drive less. Consultant. APS encourages its employees to use public transit by offering a subsidy of up to $20 per month. The Clean Air Campaign drove home this message Employees who ride the private express bus can use the during Alternative Mode Madness Week (Nov. 16-21). existing subsidy towards the purchase of a monthly pass The week highlighted the various commute options that or single ride tickets. With the subsidy, the cost to APS are available to Valley residents and showcased various employees is $40 per month. programs that Valley employers have developed. One such program is the Private Express Bus service "I am really happy with the service. I dislike driving in recently initiated by Arizona Public Service. traffic and work a 4/10 work week, so the variety of times I can take the bus accommodates my lifestyle, APS has formed a partnership with Arrow Stage Lines says Carol Gallaher, APS Analyst. "Besides that, the and Arizona State University to provide express bus luxury bus is so comfortable, I only I hope I don’t snore service from northwest phoenix to the Arizona Center. as I sleep during my morning trip into work!" APS employees can choose from three peak morning commute times and catch the luxury bus from either To promote ridership, APS and Arrow Stage Lines are 67th Ave. & Bell or ASU West to the APS building at offering the private bus service to other downtown Fifth Street and Van Buren. For the return trip there businesses. If you would like more information about are four pick-up times between 3:35 p.m. and 5:35 p.m. the new service, contact Valley Metro Rideshare at 262-RIDE or Scott Duncan with Arrow Stage Lines at 437-3483. 3 Event APS Delivering More Than Power to 50 will call wanting to travel to the zoo, the museum, or a nearby park on a Valley Metro bus. Education School children like learning how to ride the bus from Helen Romesburg Funds for field trip transportation are limited nowadays, so taking the bus is a wonderful resource, as well as a great teaching tool, Romesburg states. And, though the presentations are free, the local bus trip costs youth ages 6 to 18 only 60 cents per ride. Helen shows school children all about riding the bus. This transit adventure booklet is just one of many transit related materials which is given to children during school transit demonstrations. L e a r n i n g to Climb Aboard F or Valley youth, developing an interest in riding public transit may have begun with a pretend bus ride at school; or, it could have started after learning how to read a timetable and plan a trip. With an interest in future riders, Valley Metro is taking their buses on a road show to preschool and elementary school age children across the Valley. For over ten years, Helen Romesburg, School Outreach Coordinator for Valley Metro, has gone out to the schools in an effort to teach kids about transit and how it benefits the community. We talk about why people ride the bus. Then, they begin thinking about pollution too, and some of the ways they get around that helps clean up the air, Romesburg says. Besides emphasizing the air quality aspect of sharing rides on the bus, they also discuss modes of travel that are non-polluting such as riding bicycles and walking. This raises their level of awareness to the pollution problems that exist in the Valley. In presentations to the children, Romesburg explains that they first introduce the bus service, then talk about how to ride the bus. A spirited video presentation called, Adventures with Valley Metro, portrays kids actually demonstrating the do s and don ts of riding the bus. The video is shown as part of the presentation and also features local attractions that you can get to via the bus. Sometimes a Valley Metro bus is used for a hands-on demonstration. They love getting on the bus, seeing how the farebox works and ringing the chime, pretending to signal the bus operator to let them off at the next bus stop. Although these are fun, the most popular spot on the bus is getting behind the wheel, says Romesburg. Each child on the tour gets to take a turn at sitting in the driver s seat and turning the over-sized steering wheel. Romesburg receives assistance in coordinating the presentations from Angelique Martinez, Valley Metro Customer Service Representative. Martinez also coordinates group trips with teachers. Groups anywhere from 10 4 Another important element in the bus presentations is training about safety. We talk about being in the safe zone when waiting for a bus, Romesburg says. Making children aware of the dangers of a large, moving vehicle will hopefully prevent needless accidents around vehicles of all types. Getting the word out to kids from pre-kindergarten to high school has kept Romesburg and Martinez very busy. In the past year, over 150 presentations have been made to almost 7,000 students and teachers. In addition, nearly 1,000 groups requested itineraries for field trips. Spreading good news about the benefits of transit is enjoyable as well. I really love my job. The kids are great and you never know what to expect from them, says Romesburg. At certain times of the year it gets pretty hectic for the outreach staff, but overall, the diversity of the job keeps it interesting. When visiting schools, teachers are provided with a Valley Metro transit kit stuffed with helpful information about planning trips, a bus book and transit-related activities. Kids who attend the presentation may receive such goodies as a fold-out bus bank, special Valley Metro pencils, or colorful stickers promoting the different modes of alternative transportation. These outreach presentations and the field trip planning service are promoted through a letter sent to schools each fall. n For more information on how to schedule a Valley Metro bus presentation, or to plan a trip for a large group, call: 261-8575 or 261-8253. not enacted, it was determined by the Attorney General’s Office that ADOT had sufficient authority to implement some of the SIB features. With that, they were able to enter into a cooperative agreement with the US Department of Transportation (USDOT). T he recent withdrawal "HDR will continue to work with of the MetroRoad the state on how a Valley-wide plan to put toll lanes system might come to fruition and on East Valley whether the state will adopt a Due to the SIB, the advancement freeways and a toll policy to proceed with a Valley- of two East Valley projects would road on the Santan wide toll/HOT lane concept," not have been possible without said Suttle financial assistance from the state Freeway, leaves Valley account. transportation leaders looking for system. Where to go from here? The MetroRoad proposal would Some Valley lawmakers believe the have added new express lanes to state should steer away from toll the Superstition, Red Mountain, roads and toll lanes and consider Price and Pima Freeways. With other funding options in its effort one lane built in each direction, to complete the Valleys freeway MetroRoad’s express lanes would system and help ease traffic have functioned as temporarily congestion. tolled lanes adjacent to existing One suggestion has been to use the free lanes. In addition to the newly created State Infrastructure express lanes, MetroRoad Bank (SIB) to help local proposed to build an interchange governments build freeway projects to connect the express lanes, from more quickly. new ways to complete the freeway The interchange would have cost "Given significant transportation $31 million to build, and neither funding needs we have an MetroRoad nor the state or federal obligation to explore new options governments has the funding. and the SIB mechanism allows us to better utilize existing resources The interchange was vital to the to meet those needs," says Suzanne success of the project. Without the Sale, ADOT Division Director interchange motorists would have responsible for spearheading this paid a monthly fee to use the toll funding program. lanes, only to get caught in traffic when the Superstition emptied into Congress first authorized the State I-10. Infrastructure Bank program under "MetroRoad will go through a the provision of the National debriefing process with the state Highway System Designation Act regarding what we have learned of 1995. SIBs are intended to during the last two years. I think complement federal transportation that is vary valuable information programs by providing states the for us and the state to have," said ability to offer financial assistance, Jim Suttle, executive vice president such as loans and credit of HDR Inc., the lead partner in enhancement. Under the Federal MetroRoad provision, states can allocate up to 10 percent of Federal funds in Transportation (ADOT) is considering a study to determine the feasibility of adding tolled certain categories to capitalize the bank. To receive funds, a state match is required, which in Arizona is around 6 percent. HOV lanes to freeways. The study will be complete in six to 10 months. "We are able to build projects at an earlier date generating economic benefit and, most importantly, improving mobility," says Sale. It is expected that the Price Freeway project between Warner Road and Frye Road will be completed one year earlier than is currently programmed. Using the SIB loan for the Red Mountain Freeway project between Country Club and Gilbert will allow ADOT to finish and open this section of the US 60 to I-10. The Arizona Department of Progress is Being Made In April 1996, Arizona was designated to be one of the first ten states to pilot the program. 5 freeway two years early. However, the state cannot realize the full benefits of the new program under existing statues as cities and counties cannot access the program for local projects. There is legislation pending that will expand eligibility for these local projects. Although it does not encompass transit facilities or service, it may in the future as legislation is being considered to broaden the utilization of the bank. The remaining toll proposal has been submitted by the Arizona Transportation Group to build the South Mountain 202 Loop as a toll road. The Arizona Transportation Group is currently gathering cost and traffic information and public comments. ADOT will need to approve the plan before beginning negotiations on a contract to build the road. For information regarding the South Mountain 202 Loop call 1-888-876-ROAD. n Legislation Transportation Options Explored in the Valley Although enabling legislation was Transit Links The Valley Metro Web Passengers looking for more information about Valley Metro services can travel through a wealth of new and updated facts right at their fingertips. First Stop: Ridesharing has never been easier. The updated Valley Metro site offers enrollment forms and tips to get you started. For the official line on important transit news and information, your first stop should be at the Regional Public Transportation Authority and Valley Metro. A new site introduction will guide you to in-depth rideshare, vanpool, telecommuting, clean air campaign and bike program information. Transit Links: Valley Metro/RPTA: Next Stop: www.valleymetro.maricopa.gov Next, check route schedules and service maps to over 70 Valley Metro local and express bus routes in OnLine Bus Book: the OnLine Bus Book, a joint project of Valley Metro www.azfms.com/Travel/Transit/transit.html and the Arizona Department of Transportation Tempe in Touch: Trailmaster web team. Familiar Bus Book system www.tempe.gov/traffic/bus.htm maps and individual route listings display neighborhood park-and-ride locations and Phoenix At Your FingerTips: wheelchair accessibility. www.ci.phoenix.az.us/transidx.html City of Mesa: Other Stops: gate1.ci.mesa.az.us/busroute/vmsched.htm Most city sites are also expanding transit content. City of Glendale: Tempe passengers should bookmark the greatly www.ci.glendale.az.us/localgov/transportation/traffic/ expanded trip planning, route detours, and news on bus_routes.html continuing improvements to Tempe area bus service at Tempe in Touch. Internet applications make it easy to connect passengers with the latest bus schedules and route maps. Mayor Giulianos Views on Transit (continued from page 1) time are the strongest assets for building a It is really fulfilling to see former students of my community and getting things accomplished, class becoming successful in their own right, Giuliano adds. He also believes that to get great Giuliano beams. His own success and leadership things accomplished two things are required: one is skills began with serving as ASU student body risk and the second is involving others. I have some president while attending the university to acquire great ideas, but it requires working with others to an undergraduate degree in Communications. bring that out, he admits. Giuliano then went on to receive a Master s in When he has the chance, Giuliano prefers the slower Higher Education and University Administration. pace by relaxing in his newly, remodeled home and Helping and guiding others has been a mission of with all the activities in his life, he finds that staying Giuliano s for a long time. One of the lessons I ve home is an enjoyable change of pace. n learned is that relationships and associations over 6 A network that provides travelers with real-time information at kiosks in transit centers, on pagers, and through personal computers and other devices is moving closer to completion. When the system comes on line in the summer of 1998, the AZTech public/private partnership will provide the capability to send updates on accidents, road delays, weather conditions and Phoenix area bus routes to Valley travelers. Transit Automatic Vehicle Location Integrating Transportation For Valley transit users, AZTech will be working AZTech is one of four such programs across behind the scenes to make our existing bus and the country using a growing network of road sensors, paratransit fleets work more efficiently. Plans call for electronic signs, cameras, communications equipment global positioning systems (GPS) technology to be and people to make freeway and arterial street deployed on 65 buses assigned to the busiest travel networks safer and more efficient for the traveling corridors. Four Valley Metro routes under public. consideration for model deployment are the Red Line, In October 1996, AZTech was selected as one of four Blue Line, Route 72 Scottsdale/Rural and Model Deployment Initiatives by the U.S. Department Route 0 Central. of Transportation, along with projects in San Antonio, Buses on these routes would be equipped with sensors Texas; Seattle, Washington; and the New York/New and transmitters that would allow operators to Jersey/Connecticut metropolitan areas. AZTech is now transmit their location to transit center kiosks and administering a $7.5 million federal grant of the $35.5 changeable message signs, keeping travelers informed million program. These projects will serve as of bus schedule status and real-time location. Bus showcases for the newest wave of intelligent status will also be displayed on public phones at more transportation systems and as the first steps toward a than 70 shelters. long-range goal of building an intelligent transportation infrastructure across the United States. n AZTech has two Internet applications. An enhanced ADOT Trailmaster site at www.azfms.com will Additional information about the AZTech project is continue to provide real-time freeway and arterial available from AZTech on-line at: congestion, closures, and transit schedule and bus nova.mcdot.maricopa.gov/mcdot/engin/aztech1/index.htm. status information; a second web program will provide this information for new or existing commercial websites. The AZTech partnership will allow private companies to supply multi-modal travel information to Phoenix area consumers through a variety of means. A $1 million contract between AzTech and Etak, a California-based company specializing in traveler information systems, calls for innovative commercial uses of real-time traffic and transit data. Internet Web Sites Information Kiosks Automated Cable TV Broadcasts In-Vehicle Navigation Systems Personalized Paging Service Personal Digital Assistants/Palmtop Computers AZtech- Partner Etak ship 7 Real-time Information AZTech: Intelligence Meets Mobility RPTA Survey State of the Commute 1997 WestGroup Market Research of Phoenix conducted a telephone survey to assess participation in and reactions to the Trip Reduction, Valley Metro Rideshare and Clean Air Campaign programs which address air quality and transportation issues. Approximately two-thirds (65%) of those aware of the Clean Air Campaign reported that they had taken steps to reduce air pollution in response to the information presented in the advertisements or news stories. This study is part of a continuing series of annual surveys for the Regional Public Transportation Authority. Following are highlights from the survey of 603 adults, age 16 or older in Maricopa County: The number of alternative mode users has increased by 145,000 people (or 43%) to an estimated 494,000 people since 1993. Air quality was cited as the most important issue facing the Valley. Slightly more than half of Valley residents (52%) indicated that they or a family member experience health-related problems when pollution levels Each day, alternative mode users and telecommuters save approximately 5.6 million vehicle miles resulting in 200,700 fewer pounds of pollutants being emitted into the air. For a complete report, please call Valley Metro Rideshare at 262-7433. n Survey done in Maricopa County Hearing From You Destinations Response Card If your company is interested in receiving Destinations or other passenger information, please fill out this response card. Name: ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Title: __________________________________________________________________________________________________ Company: _____________________________________________________________________________________________ Address: _______________________________________________________________________________________________ City: ______________________________________State: ________________________________Zip: _______________ Phone (optional): ___________________________________Fax (optional):_____________________________ The RPTA wants Destinations to address transit in a way that meets the needs of it’s readers. Please take a moment to give us your recommendations for future issues of Destinations, or you may e-mail us. Mail to: E-Mail: Regional Public Transportation Authority, Attention: Matt Ortega 302 N. 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