March 17, 2021
Julio Ernesto Mora Rodriguez
Maricopa County has been the fastest-growing county in the United States for the past several years, and the West Valley is leading the charge. Residents are being asked to help plan for that growth by participating in a short survey to evaluate the need for improved and expanded transit service.
Avondale is expected to add nearly 28,000 new residents and 13,000 jobs during the next 20 years.
During the same period, Goodyear is expected to more than double in size, adding 105,000 residents and 31,000 jobs, according to a Maricopa Association of Governments Socioeconomic Projections of Population and Employment by Municipal Planning Area report released in June 2019.
Growth brings lots of opportunities, including new job prospects, shopping, housing and an increased tax base. But it also can be difficult to keep up with the need for new infrastructure and services, including roadways and transit, according to a release.
That’s why the cities of Avondale and Goodyear have partnered with MAG and Nelson/Nygaard Consulting Associates Inc. to develop a plan for the future of transit in the two communities.
The Avondale-Goodyear Transit Study kicked off in May 2020, with an expected completion date of early summer 2021.
READ: Survey questions, area map
The study began with a comprehensive market analysis, identifying areas of need and opportunity across the two cities. The market analysis highlighted the need to provide convenient transportation alternatives to a variety of Avondale and Goodyear residents, including seniors, youth, families and various types of commuters, the release stated.
The study team has developed several concepts for new, improved, and/or enhanced transit service, and is seeking input from the community. These concepts include: improvements to local bus routes; modifications to the Avondale ZOOM circulator; microtransit pilot zones; flexible employment shuttles; and mobility hubs.
Residents who want to provide feedback have until April 16 to complete a short survey at research.net/r/AGTransitStudy2.
A Spanish version of the survey is available at research.net/r/avondale-goodyear.
For more information, visit the project web page at azmag.gov/Avondale-Goodyear.