Article Summary –
Valley Metro received a nearly $16 million federal grant under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to expand the Tempe streetcar into Mesa, adding over four miles of rail, which aims to boost local economies and facilitate transportation for ASU students and residents. The expansion is expected to increase ridership by connecting important commercial areas and reducing the burden on students who may otherwise need to maintain a car. Federal grants have enabled local leaders to push forward with public transportation projects despite opposition from the Republican-majority Arizona Legislature.
ASU students and Tempe residents will soon have easier access to destinations like Tempe Marketplace and Mesa Riverview.
Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff visited Tempe on July 19, just before President Joe Biden ended his reelection campaign, to ride the Mill Avenue streetcar. This expansion, funded by Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law of 2021, aims to boost the local economy and enhance mobility for students and residents.
Arizona State University, the largest public university in the U.S., attracts students nationwide. A reliable public transportation system alleviates the need to bring cars from other states, saving students on parking costs. ASU parking permits range from $280 to $800 annually.
Valley Metro offers a 31-day pass for $64, or $32 with reduced fare. ASU students can get unlimited rides from mid-August to mid-May for $150.
Emhoff, joined by Tempe Mayor Corey Woods, Mesa Vice Mayor Francisco Heredia, and Federal Transit Administration Regional Director Ray Tellis, advocated for public transportation expansions in Tempe and Mesa.
The $16 million federal grant will extend the streetcar into Mesa, adding over four miles of rail. The new line on Rio Salado Parkway in Tempe will connect to the light rail at Dobson Road and Main Street in Mesa.
“In just two years, we’ve had over 10 million rides in our city,” said Mayor Woods.
The eastward expansion will likely increase ridership, passing shopping hotspots like Tempe Marketplace and Mesa Riverview, and Sloan Park, the Chicago Cubs’ spring training site.
More ridership means increased travel to local businesses, boosting Tempe and Mesa’s economies. A report from the American Public Transportation Association highlights the economic benefits of investing in public transit.
“This administration is committed to broad-based economic growth,” Emhoff stated. “Historic investments in infrastructure will benefit generations to come. Since the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law was passed, I’ve seen firsthand the progress across the nation.”
Republicans have opposed light rail and public transportation expansion. Federal grants have enabled local leaders to bypass the Republican-majority Arizona Legislature, providing more travel options. Every seat in the state Legislature is up for election on Nov. 5.
—
Read More Arizona News
