Ah yes, the public transit system. Over the years, I have suggested that some employees be replaced (ok, I said fired) because they don't use the system and therefore have no idea what it is like to depend on public transit to get around. An Sen. Ortiz is right about the QRC code on people's phones not working. I have a card...tap and voila, my ride is paid for. And then there are the buses that are not on time....late is most irritating, but being early is even more irritating at times. Still, the fare is reasonable, and I get a lot of reading done. Grocery shopping is not an issue. I cloth bags and a backpack it necessary. I figure if what I purchase won't fit in those, then I probably don't need it. And I am surprised that Sen. Ortiz did not do her homework to discover the existence of the rapid buses.
You will never have a robust and well-used public transportation system in a metropolitan area that isn’t densely populated, and the Phoenix area is too spread out. It doesn’t make much sense to get into your car to drive to a mass transit or light rail line when you might as well do the entire trip by car. Plus, even if you use the car to get to the light rail, you still have to walk several blocks to your final destination, which isn’t fun in the summer.
We shouldn’t spend millions on under-used light rail systems. To improve public transportation availability, create a reliable system of more affordable and flexible buses. Still, I guess that option doesn’t suit those who want to pretend we’re in a trendy city with its own “Metro” that they can ride to “Copper Square,” another failed effort to make us seem different from what we are. If you want to ride a “Metro,” move to Portland, but bring your own riot helmet.
So what I’m hearing you say… is Phoenix doesn’t need to build extra infrastructure for the massive amount of future expected growth. Especially in the northwest valley where the factories (homes, businesses) are being built. Just once I’d like to see the legislature be proactive rather than reactive.
BTW I always ride the public transportation when I’m in Portland. Easy, dependable, and affordable way to get around & no riot helmet needed.
Road infrastructure will be needed, but not expensive, and an underutilized light rail. And I suppose you haven't seen the riot footage coming out of Portland. Try switching from CNN to Fox.
Uh, I think you're referring to the 2020 footage that Fox is showing. The 2025 footage features guys in Barney inflatables and chicken costumes. Maybe switch from Fox to NYT.
Cool. Did you see the video of the non-aggressive protestor in Portland getting sprayed in the mouth by a random federal officer who apparently didn't like her exercising her 1A rights? It's obvious that the plan here is to inflame matters in local communities, which will no doubt work.
It’s rumored that you will be switching away from Substack to another platform that doesn’t promote alt-right ideology. If so, GOOD FOR YOU!! And thanks 🙏🏼
A viable public transit system is what makes a community whole. It gets people to work, to school, Dr. appointments, the senior center, therapists appointments, work. I currently volunteer to drive up to 4 people to their appointments and other places a day. I’m just doing my part. It’s such fun. They talk and laugh. They listen. To own a car that works is expensive. Say $20k for the car, used of course, maintenance, gas, tires, the insurance is a killer $3k a year, (you can pay less but if you have an accident your screwed) no wonder so many people have to live in them. The first guy to own the Arizona Republic (it was a different name) had editorials to the effect, if you don’t build it, they won’t come. That’s why we were so behind in building freeways. We are the same with public transit. It’s short sighted to think not. How many millions for flying car research? We should have a light rail and/or bus system from Tucson to Page. But I’m only one vote.
Ah yes, the public transit system. Over the years, I have suggested that some employees be replaced (ok, I said fired) because they don't use the system and therefore have no idea what it is like to depend on public transit to get around. An Sen. Ortiz is right about the QRC code on people's phones not working. I have a card...tap and voila, my ride is paid for. And then there are the buses that are not on time....late is most irritating, but being early is even more irritating at times. Still, the fare is reasonable, and I get a lot of reading done. Grocery shopping is not an issue. I cloth bags and a backpack it necessary. I figure if what I purchase won't fit in those, then I probably don't need it. And I am surprised that Sen. Ortiz did not do her homework to discover the existence of the rapid buses.
You will never have a robust and well-used public transportation system in a metropolitan area that isn’t densely populated, and the Phoenix area is too spread out. It doesn’t make much sense to get into your car to drive to a mass transit or light rail line when you might as well do the entire trip by car. Plus, even if you use the car to get to the light rail, you still have to walk several blocks to your final destination, which isn’t fun in the summer.
We shouldn’t spend millions on under-used light rail systems. To improve public transportation availability, create a reliable system of more affordable and flexible buses. Still, I guess that option doesn’t suit those who want to pretend we’re in a trendy city with its own “Metro” that they can ride to “Copper Square,” another failed effort to make us seem different from what we are. If you want to ride a “Metro,” move to Portland, but bring your own riot helmet.
I hereby challenge you to ride the bus from fountain hills to the Capitol for a week. Budget week would be the best time to try I think
I am waiting for the light rail extension to come here.
Isn’t there a law or some provision that says it can’t go to the Capitol? So sorry for you.
No, but they must get permission for the route.
Wait, the permission is for the Capitol area (7th Ave to 19th Ave and Jefferson to Van Buren). There is a ban right around the Capitol building.
Why, we want to come see you. No parking.
Thanks for the sticker Hank, Nicole, & Co!
So what I’m hearing you say… is Phoenix doesn’t need to build extra infrastructure for the massive amount of future expected growth. Especially in the northwest valley where the factories (homes, businesses) are being built. Just once I’d like to see the legislature be proactive rather than reactive.
BTW I always ride the public transportation when I’m in Portland. Easy, dependable, and affordable way to get around & no riot helmet needed.
Road infrastructure will be needed, but not expensive, and an underutilized light rail. And I suppose you haven't seen the riot footage coming out of Portland. Try switching from CNN to Fox.
Uh, I think you're referring to the 2020 footage that Fox is showing. The 2025 footage features guys in Barney inflatables and chicken costumes. Maybe switch from Fox to NYT.
https://www.foxnews.com/us/federal-agents-portland-deploy-tear-gas-make-arrests-minutes-after-judge-blocks-national-guard
Cool. Did you see the video of the non-aggressive protestor in Portland getting sprayed in the mouth by a random federal officer who apparently didn't like her exercising her 1A rights? It's obvious that the plan here is to inflame matters in local communities, which will no doubt work.
It’s rumored that you will be switching away from Substack to another platform that doesn’t promote alt-right ideology. If so, GOOD FOR YOU!! And thanks 🙏🏼
A viable public transit system is what makes a community whole. It gets people to work, to school, Dr. appointments, the senior center, therapists appointments, work. I currently volunteer to drive up to 4 people to their appointments and other places a day. I’m just doing my part. It’s such fun. They talk and laugh. They listen. To own a car that works is expensive. Say $20k for the car, used of course, maintenance, gas, tires, the insurance is a killer $3k a year, (you can pay less but if you have an accident your screwed) no wonder so many people have to live in them. The first guy to own the Arizona Republic (it was a different name) had editorials to the effect, if you don’t build it, they won’t come. That’s why we were so behind in building freeways. We are the same with public transit. It’s short sighted to think not. How many millions for flying car research? We should have a light rail and/or bus system from Tucson to Page. But I’m only one vote.
The Free Enterprise Club has an interesting report on our light rail system.
https://azfree.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MAG-Transportation-Audit-2025_R4_Digital_FINAL.pdf
Great article. Kudos to Ms Ortiz!