June 15, 2022
The Federal Transit Administration announced the awards for the American Rescue Plan Route Planning Restoration Program grants, and Phoenix Public Transit was awarded a grant total of $514,045. This funding will be used to conduct a west Phoenix High Capacity Transit (HCT) study. The study will provide a recommendation for transit modes that specifically provide a higher level of rider capacity and efficiency.
Today, Mayor Kate Gallego and members of the city council expressed their support for this grant to examine transit in that area.
“Improving access, ease, equity, and efficiency of transit for the people of Phoenix is a priority for me, and this grant will better inform our efforts under Transportation 2050 (T2050), a voter-approved local plan for bus service, light rail construction and street improvements,” says Mayor Kate Gallego. “It would combine with Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act grant opportunities and should escalate large and small T2050 transportation projects from plan to completion.”
“This study will help pave the way for a greatly improved transit system in west Phoenix that connects our residents to better opportunities for education, employment and recreation,” notes Councilmember Betty Guardado.
“Bringing more efficient and clean public transit to west Phoenix is long overdue. With booming population growth, we need a study that outlines how to best serve diverse communities,” Councilmember Yassamin Ansari adds.
“Phoenix continues to head in the right direction by finding opportunities for high capacity transit options that support the riders who depend on public transit,” states Vice Mayor Laura Pastor.
The study area will be focused on west Phoenix encompassing the Maryvale area from Central Avenue (on the east boundary) to 91st Avenue (on the west) and from McDowell Road (south) to Camelback Road (north).
The goal is to evaluate multiple modes of transit, and how transit improvements will benefit all the surrounding communities.