| Phoenix Public Transit Seeks Input on DASH Route Options | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/public-transit/2627 | Public Transit | | 1/13/2023 8:30:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/2627/Public_Transit_Newsroom_47.jpg | | Phoenix Public Transit Seeks Input on DASH Route Options | <div class="ExternalClass423D9C73564646CF852514770F7D3035"><html>
<p>The Phoenix Public Transit Department is rolling into Phase 2 of the Neighborhood Transit Study (NTS) and is seeking community input on the Downtown Area Shuttle Circulator (DASH) proposed routing options.<br></p>
<p>Based on public feedback in Phase 1 and a technical assessment, four proposed options were developed for DASH. Each option includes an extension of the current (Government) loop into a proposed <strong>Downtown Loop</strong> to create connectivity to entertainment, shopping, and housing.</p>
<p>The proposed options - on a specific part of the route - provide extended weekday hours (until 11 p.m.) and weekend service (Saturday and Sunday). The public is invited to check out <a href="/publictransit/neighborhoodtransit" target="_blank">phoenix.gov/neighborhoodtransit</a> and the corresponding <a href="https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/f6dc85e6e2294a0fb84dde9be8e983eb/" target="_blank">StoryMap</a> before <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HM6932W?lang=en" target="_blank">filling out the survey</a> on or before Feb. 10, 2023. </p>
<p>The Neighborhood Transit Study is an important component of the <a href="/t2050" target="_blank">Transportation 2050</a> program to continue expanding and improving Phoenix's neighborhood circulator routes.</p>
<p>The DASH is one of four (free) neighborhood circulators, and one of the busiest. Many people depend on the service to get where they need to go.</p><p>“We’re always looking at how we can improve our services,” says Public Transit Director Jesús Sapien “These proposed changes show we are listening to our community saying they need the service into the weekend as well as having it connect to light rail.”</p>
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<strong>About Transportation 2050:</strong> In Aug. 2015, Phoenix voters approved Transportation 2050 (T2050), a 35-year citywide transportation plan. T2050 is overseen by the Citizens Transportation Commission and includes improved frequency on local bus service, new light rail service and stations and major street improvement projects. Funding for T2050 comes from a 7/10ths of a cent city sales tax that started Jan. 1, 2016. Over the life of the plan, the funds are estimated to generate about $16.7 billion, or more than half of the plan's overall cost. There will be an additional $14.8 billion in federal and county funds, passenger fares and other sources. For more information, visit the <a href="https://t2050.org/" target="_blank">T2050 page</a> or follow <a href="https://twitter.com/PhoenixMetroBus" target="_blank">Phoenix Public Transit</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/StreetsPHX" target="_blank">Phoenix Street Transportation</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/valleymetro" target="_blank">Valley Metro</a> on Twitter.<br></p>
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| Phoenix Public Transit Full Speed Ahead on Zero Emission Bus Fleet | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/public-transit/2603 | Public Transit | | 12/16/2022 4:20:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/2603/Public_Transit_Newsroom_46.jpg | | Phoenix Public Transit Full Speed Ahead on Zero Emission Bus Fleet | <div class="ExternalClass93B844C7B3394B20BC508AD036785381"><html>
<p>The Phoenix Public Transit Department is paving the road towards a zero-emission bus fleet. This week, the Phoenix City Council voted to transition the City’s heavy-duty bus fleet to zero-emission models by 2040. This means that the City’s Public Transit staff has the green light to move forward with purchasing newer technology buses beginning in the first quarter of 2023 and evaluating future infrastructure needs. <br></p>
<p>“Phoenix is charting an ambitious timeline. At this rate, low- and zero emission buses will make up a third of our fleet in the next five years,” said Mayor Kate Gallego. “Reducing pollution on our roadways is crucial for our region’s air quality, and this effort must be matched with rapid decarbonization of the electric grid that powers these vehicles. Demonstrating success in our geography and climate will serve as a powerful model for communities across the country.”<br></p><p>“This week’s votes show just how far we’ve come as a city in the past year when it comes to clean transportation. A year ago, council was presented with a contract that did not consider low - or zero-emission options. This week, we passed one of the strongest zero emission transition plans in the country,” said Councilwoman Yassamin Ansari. <br></p>
<p>Phoenix Public Transit provides transit service to about half of the Valley (the Phoenix metropolitan area) with 48 total bus routes including local, commuter, and neighborhood circulator service. The department’s fleet is currently made up of 500 buses which operate on compressed natural gas or biodiesel. <br></p>
<p>“We’re excited to put these newer buses into our system and begin transitioning our fleet,” said Public Transit Director Jesús Sapien. “The region’s bus routes are the backbone of the transit system and adding these newer technology buses to the fleet will help us achieve our long-term goals for Phoenix and for the region.”<br></p>
<p>Not only is this move forward one of the most significant in the nation - as the City of Phoenix is the fifth largest city in the United States, it also supports federal infrastructure modernization and implementation of local plans including the City of Phoenix’s <a target="_blank" href="/oepsite/Documents/2021ClimateActionPlanEnglish.pdf">Climate Action</a> and <a target="_blank" href="/sustainabilitysite/MediaAssets/sustainability/electric-vehicles/Draft%20Transportation%20Electrification%20Action%20Plan.pdf">Transportation Electrification Action</a> plans. <br></p>
<p>In August 2022, the Federal Transit Administration awarded the Phoenix Public Transit Department a <a target="_blank" href="/newsroom/public-transit/2449">$16.3 million grant</a> for low- and no-emissions buses and supporting infrastructure. The grant is a catalyst for the department to begin transitioning its heavy-duty transit fleet to 100 percent zero emissions buses by 2040. <br></p>
<p>Currently, there is a 24-month production timeline on new bus technology, and staff will start ordering these newer buses in the first quarter of 2023. That means that some of these buses will hit the road in 2025. <br></p>
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<strong>About Transportation 2050:</strong> In Aug. 2015, Phoenix voters approved Transportation 2050 (T2050), a 35-year citywide transportation plan. T2050 is overseen by the Citizens Transportation Commission and includes improved frequency on local bus service, new light rail service and stations and major street improvement projects. Funding for T2050 comes from a 7/10ths of a cent city sales tax that started Jan. 1, 2016. Over the life of the plan, the funds are estimated to generate about $16.7 billion, or more than half of the plan's overall cost. There will be an additional $14.8 billion in federal and county funds, passenger fares and other sources. For more information, visit the <a target="_blank" href="https://t2050.org/">T2050 page</a> or follow <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/PhoenixMetroBus">Phoenix Public Transit</a>, <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/StreetsPHX">Phoenix Street Transportation</a> and <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/valleymetro">Valley Metro</a> on Twitter.<br></p>
</html></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/publictransit | News | public-transit |
| Phoenix Receives $1 Million Grant for South Central Light Rail Development | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/public-transit/2587 | Public Transit | | 12/7/2022 5:00:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/2587/Public_Transit_Newsroom_45.jpg | | Phoenix Receives $1 Million Grant for South Central Light Rail Development | <div class="ExternalClass3CAF5758423D44408742F1B0EB6EE2A0"><html>
<div>The City of Phoenix is excited to receive a <a href="https://www.transit.dot.gov/funding/grants/grant-programs/fiscal-year-2022-transit-oriented-development-tod-planning-projects" target="_blank">$1 million grant</a> from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to help implement the South-Central / Downtown Hub light rail extension Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Community plan. The Phoenix project is one of 19 to receive a portion of the <a href="https://www.transit.dot.gov/TODPilot" target="_blank">$13.1 million awarded</a> in 14 states. The grant is another step forward in Phoenix continuing to build modern infrastructure with an equitable future. <br></div>
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<div>The <a href="https://www.valleymetro.org/project/south-central-extension-downtown-hub" target="_blank">five-mile extension</a> will connect south Phoenix to the regional light rail system, which runs from downtown Phoenix to Baseline Road. The South Central/Downtown Hub light rail line is expected to open in 2024. </div>
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<div>This federal funding will help the City with its mission of supporting affordable housing, increasing public transit ridership, connectivity and accessibility for residents and visitors. The funding also will assist in opportunities for investment in the local economy. </div>
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<div>Phoenix Mayor Gallego and Councilmembers expressed their support for the award: </div>
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<div>“The City of Phoenix recognizes the rich history in this corridor. Many are second and third generation families and businesses, all of whom take great pride in their community,” says Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. “As we continue to make progress on the South Central light rail line, this funding will further advance our goal to integrate effective transit driven by community collaboration.”</div>
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<div>In March 2022, the Phoenix City Council approved the <a href="/pddsite/Documents/PZ/013122%20South%20Central%20TOD%20Community%20Plan8.5x11.pdf" target="_blank">South-Central TOD Community Plan</a> that shows a shared community vision for the corridor with the addition of light rail.</div>
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<div>“With the South Central Light Rail Extension bringing much-needed transportation options and future revitalization to South Phoenix, community members took the lead in putting forward a plan that ensures the region redevelops in the right way from a bottom-up approach, that doesn’t simply push those who live there out,” explains Councilwoman Ansari. “This grant supports this vision.”</div>
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<div>“The core of this plan is to build an equitable future for residents and riders along the South-Central corridor,” notes Councilmember Carlos Garcia. “This grant is moving Phoenix forward and making sure the project is done with the community and not to the community.”</div>
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<div>The grant monies will be used to complete several actions identified in the plan towards achieving environmentally equitable and connected communities. </div>
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<strong>About Transportation 2050: </strong>In Aug. 2015, Phoenix voters approved Transportation 2050 (T2050), a 35-year citywide transportation plan. T2050 is overseen by the Citizens Transportation Commission and includes improved frequency on local bus service, new light rail service and stations and major street improvement projects. Funding for T2050 comes from a 7/10ths of a cent city sales tax that started Jan. 1, 2016. Over the life of the plan, the funds are estimated to generate about $16.7 billion, or more than half of the plan's overall cost. There will be an additional $14.8 billion in federal and county funds, passenger fares and other sources. For more information, visit the <a href="https://t2050.org/" target="_blank">T2050 page</a> or follow <a href="https://twitter.com/PhoenixMetroBus" target="_blank">Phoenix Public Transit</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/StreetsPHX" target="_blank">Phoenix Street Transportation</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/valleymetro" target="_blank">Valley Metro</a> on Twitter.<br><br></div>
</html></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/publictransit | News | public-transit |
