Public Transportation (Phoenix, Tempe: rent , job, construction)

[Benzoot]

How is public transportation in the Phoenix city proper?

Is it possible to survive without a car?

[Ponderosa]

I worked with a guy for many years who never owned a car. He took the bus or cab everywhere. So it can be done. But it has to be awful. PHX was built up after the car and life here sort of presumes you have one. I would not want to live here and rely only on public transport.

[CodyW]

Erm - Yes and no.

Technically - You Could survive by using the bus routes.

Problem one. The Valley Metro bus system seems poorly put together. Every time I've used it my bus was late, and I was late to my destination. That said, The routes are fairly good. Lots of stops, in most central locations.

You could survive without a car - but you'd have to live pretty close to all of your destinations, or else you'd have too many bus transfers to feel comfortable with.

There isn't a commuter rail system in Phoenix - Though, that's what I'd say we need most, out of any transit option. However, there is a light rail system under construction. A 20 mile line that will service the central corridor/downtown area.

Not much help, I suppose. But it gives you an idea of how things are.

[Benzoot]

Hmm, I see. That's discouraging.

What if, let's saaay...

I would rent in/around the downtown area.

With work, amenities, and entertainment all in walking distance (I consider 60 minute walks walking distance)

Is it possible?

[sheena]

Originally Posted by Benzoot

Hmm, I see. That's discouraging.

What if, let's saaay...

I would rent in/around the downtown area.

With work, amenities, and entertainment all in walking distance (I consider 60 minute walks walking distance)

Is it possible?

Possible in another city maybe. I took the bus for awhile back in 94 and that was pretty darn scary.

[sablebaby]

It just depends on where you live and where you work. My grandmother used the bus (as it was easier for her) for years (and this was years ago). She drove to the park and ride at the PV Mall and took the express bus to downtown (she worked on Washington at the main police department). It took an hour and she read the whole way or talked to her friends on the bus. So, it can be done, it just depends on the circumstances.

[AZ_singlemother]

Originally Posted by Benzoot

Hmm, I see. That's discouraging.

What if, let's saaay...

I would rent in/around the downtown area.

With work, amenities, and entertainment all in walking distance (I consider 60 minute walks walking distance)

Is it possible?

Phoenix does not have a downtown area like other metro cities. It's not like where I came from - Seattle area where you could work, shop, etc. Phoenix is an urban sprawl. Spread out. It's rare to find a community where you could work, live and shop within a bus system without taking less than 3 buses each way.

[sheena]

Originally Posted by AZ_singlemother

Phoenix does not have a downtown area like other metro cities. It's not like where I came from - Seattle area where you could work, shop, etc. Phoenix is an urban sprawl. Spread out. It's rare to find a community where you could work, live and shop within a bus system without taking less than 3 buses each way.

Now that sums it up..

[OREGONRAIN]

Unless you lived in a central location, and much of daily life was near a bus line to these places you need to go, this is not a city that would be a good choice for you. Phoenix and its suburbs were made with the car in mind, not for people to use transit. I think anyone that needs transit in thier life and is going to depend on that type of transportation more than a vehicle would be better off living elsewhere. Thankfully the area is building light rail, but in many ways, it is way to late and much to little to do much good in such a sprawled out area. Phoenix metro is really quite like a inland LA.

[silverbear]

Public transportation in the Phoenix area is much better than its reputation. Valley Metro does a good job considering the challenges it is up against. Still, the area is designed for the car. Being carless might be possible with very careful planning, but it would be isolating and limiting. Sure, you could live in Central Phoenix or Downtown Tempe and walk or take the bus to basic shopping and services, but if you were invited to a social event in a more suburban area, you probably would not be able to go. The light rail line will improve the situation considerably and make it more attractive to commute to work and go to major events via public transportation, but trying to live without any car at all here is not wise. A realistic goal for public transportation here -- as in almost any newer American city -- is to reduce car usage, but not to eliminate car ownershp.