Does anyone approve of the light-rail? (Phoenix, Chandler: job, home, investment)

[Cida]

Does anyone actually approve of the upcoming light-rail project, and think it's a good idea? I mean, anyone unconnected with it, who isn't profitting from it. Every single person I've talked to thinks it's dumb, and one or two people think it's dangerous.

[fcorrales80]

I know it's a wonderful thing for the city and the Valley to have. Lots of economic activity has been directly linked to the lightrail which benefits the entire region. I live near Central Ave. in downtown Phoenix and know hundreds of people who will use it daily. Thousands of students, commuters who live in uptown, midtown or downtown will use it to get to other areas of high job concentration like uptown, midtown, downtown, Tempe, and ASU. I never use the loop 101; only about 200,000 people a day in the Valley do, but I wouldn't call it a dumb investment.

Also the lightrail is NOT dangerous. This has been proven in every city that it has been used, even in Houston which has a much higher accident rate than Phoenix. Also, because of grade separation, cars only have limited chances of turning into the train and if one happens to do so, the train is equipped with bumpers that actually push any heavy object that hits it in the opposite direction; limiting the force of the impact. The skirt of the train which is very low to the ground prevents a person from being pulled underneath. Basically, driving a car on the freeway or surface street is a hundred times more dangerous. I don't remember the actual number, but I believe 11 people have been killed or seriously hurt by lightrail since 1994 (when Denver started their line).

[luv_it_here]

People always think something new is a bad idea. If you listen to the people who complain about what a huge investment it was, they make it sound like Phx could have put in an entire new freeway system for the same cost - which isn't true. The first stage of the light rail may not extend into all the outlying suburban areas, but it does offer an additional transit opportunity for getting around downtown. Downtown is starting to come back to life, and this will definitely help.

The light rail is no more dangerous than any other train, or bus, or transit option. It has clearly marked signs, and is set up very similar to other transit systems in other large cities. It'll take some getting used to, and a lot of people don't like change, but it's about time Phx starts to catch up with offering additional ways to get around - especially with as spread out as some of the focal points of the city are!!

[snowthedirtbub]

I live in Chandler, and in no way shape or form will i be able to ride it, buses don't even come close to where i live. But I still think its an awesome idea and can't wait for it to get going. I'm gonna have to start making excuses to go to Phoenix so I can ride it every now and then. I think its gonna be convient with our ASU season tickets.

[roundball]

I love it! Relative to the light-rail I live way out in the boonies, and will never ride it the way it's set up now. I look forward to 20 years when it branches out everywhere. My biggest gripe about Phoenix is its lack of light-rail compared to some other cities we were looking at before moving here.

It's a good start.

[silverbear]

I voted for light rail in both the 2000 and 2004 elections and have absolutely no financial stake in it -- just a belief that rail transit is a vital step forward for the Phoenix metro area. I look forward to riding it starting December 27 and may even work as a volunteer at the specials events on opening weekend.

This topic has been discussed in several previous threads. Do a search and you'll see pro and con from a variety of forum members.

[Greatday]

Yes - I totally support the light rail project.

Complaints from some that it is "not in their area" are not realistic IMHO - this system is one of the longest initial systems developed and is already seeing plans for expansion -

[Chinolala]

I don't live in the Phoenix area and frankly, am surprised that you don't have light rail yet. But at least it sounds like it's coming soon! Public transportation should be embraced. It's more economical than driving, an option for those who may not want or can't drive and a good way to get home after you've had a few drinks! It's a win-win any way that you look at it.

[pac10devils]

I still do not think it will convince enough people to abandon their car. Phoenix is just too spread out.

[pac10devils]

To add on:

I was never against lightrail, I just do not think it's going to be the save all solution that most people are making it out to be because of:

1. Limited service area
2. Does not move any faster than a bus would

I guess it is a start though. I know for a fact on major routes during peak hours, busses are overflowing right now as it is - light rail will not help that situation. More busses and maybe looking into a hybrid bus option would be good.