Skip to Content, Navigation, or Footer.

Tempe and Scottsdale are in the final stages of deciding between a light rail or bus route connecting to the already approved Central Phoenix/East Valley light rail plan.

Consultants hired by both cities presented preliminary results of the study to nearly 50 people Thursday night, allowing for public comment on the project.

The Scottsdale/Tempe North/South Transit Corridor study looking at alternative transportation methods to connect Scottsdale to downtown Tempe and ASU light rail stops.

Consultants have narrowed their focus to a Scottsdale/Tempe light rail or an express bus route.

The light rail would run north and south along Rural/Scottsdale Road, and branch onto Rio Salado Parkway, connecting with the Tempe light rail at Third Street and Mill Avenue in downtown Tempe.

An alternative stop at McAllister Avenue and Rural Road is also being considered.

"Tempe is very interested in a corridor on Rio Salado behind the stadium," said Ethan Rauch, senior transportation planner for BRW consultants. "But that route may be more difficult because it is a more developed area. We aren't sure how feasible that is right now."

Jyme Sue McLaren, Tempe's senior transportation planner, agreed that the route along Rio Salado would serve Tempe best.

"Tempe has a vested interest in the Rio Salado route," she said. "It offers lots of opportunities for recreation areas there that Tempe is already committed to and to future growth in residences and employment there."

The proposed Tempe/Scottsdale light rail would cost an estimated $344 million to $385 million to build and $7.5 million to operate and maintain each year.

Consultants are also considering an express busway as a cheaper alternative to a light rail system.

In an express busway system, buses would have their own lanes on city streets and have exclusive right-of-way.

The proposed busway would run north and south along Rural/Scottsdale Road and circle University and Stadium drives.

"Both technologies (light rail and busway) would be beneficial," McLaren said. "But the bus would require transfers to the Tempe light rail corridor, adding addition travel time for riders. This may make them less likely to ride the system."

The busway would cost an estimated $163 million to build and an additional $3.1 million per year to maintain and operate.

Tempe Councilman Len Copple said he was excited for the project to get underway, but said he did not necessarily have a preference between the two yet.

"It would be easy transportation for University students," he said. "There are about 45,000 ASU students living all over the Valley going to and from school, work and home every day. This would avoid a trip in a car and also allow studying time during the trips."

Copple added that Tempe's connection to Scottsdale would also make employment, shopping and entertainment more accessible to Tempe and Scottsdale residents.

The study is expected to end in late spring, when the results will go to Tempe and Scottsdale city councils for review.

Both cities will then be expected to find local and federal funding for the project before it can begin.

Reach the reporter at kristina.davis@asu.edu.


Continue supporting student journalism and donate to The State Press today.

Subscribe to Pressing Matters



×

Notice

This website uses cookies to make your experience better and easier. By using this website you consent to our use of cookies. For more information, please see our Cookie Policy.