Public Interest Group Speaks Out on Transit Cuts

Posted on 26. Jul, 2010 by Tony Arranaga in News

I normally don’t copy and paste news releases, however I feel the information below should not be taken out of context. Arizon Public Interest Research Group sent me this release earlier today.

For Immediate Release:

July 26, 2010

Contact:

Serena Unrein

Office: (602) 252-4052

Cell: (602) 908-0451

Transit Service Cuts to Impact Valley Residents

Consumer, Disability, Senior & Other Groups Call for More, Not Less Public Transit Options

Today marks the beginning of cuts to transit service in the Phoenix metropolitan area.  Light rail peak hours are being reduced by two hours each day and service will be less frequent during peak hours.  Bus routes also are being affected – some routes will have less frequent service and some are being eliminated altogether.  Neighborhood circulator buses and Dial-A-Ride paratransit services will see similar reductions in service.

The Arizona Public Interest Research Group (Arizona PIRG) Education Fund and other groups are concerned about the impact that these service cuts will have on Valley residents.  “At a time when transit service in the Valley should be expanding, these service cuts are particularly painful since more people rely on public transit for mobility during an economic downturn,” said Serena Unrein, Public Interest Advocate for the Arizona PIRG Education Fund. Transportation agencies made the service cuts because of transit funding shortfalls: sales tax revenues that have not met expectations and the sweeping of lottery funds by the state legislature that were earmarked for transit.

A variety of groups gathered near the Van Buren light rail stop to discuss the impact that the transit cuts will have on Arizonans.  The AARP Arizona, Arizona Center for Disability Law, the Phoenix Revitalization Corporation, and the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) all spoke about how the transit cuts will affect their communities.

“Public transit services are a lifeline for many elderly, low-income and disabled Arizonans, providing them mobility and connecting them to their community.  Whether it’s Dial-A-Ride, bus or light rail service, it’s an option by which they can get to their doctor, their job, to school, or to shopping.  It means independence for many who don’t have a car or are unable to drive,” said Cynthia Fagyas, Communications Director for AARP Arizona.

The groups also were concerned about the negative effects transit service cuts will have on local businesses and economic development.  For every dollar invested in transit, America receives nearly two dollars in economic benefits.

“To develop a sound state economy and to enhance Arizonans’ quality of life, we must invest in public transportation and we must expand transit options. At a time when we desperately need economic development, it makes sense to invest in transit,” said Teresa Brice, Executive Director of the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC).

Additional information about specific service changes can be found at the Valley Metro website.  The Arizona PIRG Education Fund has tips for transit riders on how to deal with the service cuts and those can be found on our website.

About the Arizona PIRG Education Fund

With public debate around important issues often dominated by special interests pursuing their own narrow agendas, Arizona PIRG Education Fund offers an independent voice that works on behalf of the public interest. Arizona PIRG Education Fund, a 501(c)(3) organization, works to protect consumers and promote good government. We investigate problems, craft solutions, educate the public, and offer Arizonans meaningful opportunities for civic participation.  For more information, visitwww.arizonapirg.org/edfund.

How will the transit cuts affect your commute? Will you have to make alternate plans to get to and from work? Will they have no impact either way on how you ride public transit? Be sure to post your comments below.