Tempe Mayor Recall Fails September 12th, 2001
Light rail opponent Gene Ganssle failed to unseat rail supporter Neil Giuliano in Tuesday’s recall election. Giuliano was re-elected by 68% of city voters.
Metro Phoenix Commuter Rail Study Progresses September 1st, 2001
By October, we expect the commuter rail study contract will be awarded to a transportation consulting firm. This is a joint study sponsored by MAG and RPTA. The study, to last about one year, will look at all existing and any possible future rail corridors in the Valley, and will build on already-completed rail passenger studies.
Tucson – Marana Commuter Rail Study September 1st, 2001
by William Lindley
ARPA has received a copy of the Commuter Rail section of the “Marana Transportation Update.” This study examines the feasibility of implementing commuter rail service to alleviate traffic congestion on I-10 between Marana and Tucson.
Drawing from previous studies and updating them to current conditions, the study recommends five stations: Cortaro Farms, Orange Grove, Tucson Depot, Irving / TEP, and Aero Park / Tucson International Airport. Two four-car trainsets would provide a starting schedule of four round trips, each one-way trip of 15.7 miles lasting about 28 minutes, with an average speed of 52 mph (i.e., 18 minutes travel time, 10 minutes total station dwell time).
Capital costs would be just under $100 million with an annual operating budget of under $1.5 million. The study looked at a variety of funding options from local to Federal, but did not estimate ridership or farebox receipts.
ARPA encourages Southern Arizona to push forward and be a leader in this state.
Fifth Annual Awards Dinner October 3, 2001 September 1st, 2001
You are invited to our Fifth Annual Awards Banquet, to be held Wednesday, October 3 [2001] at the Chaparral Suites Hotel, 5001 North Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, Arizona.
the Byron A. Nordberg Award will be presented to Ken Driggs, Regional Public Transportation Authority, in recognition of his support of passenger rail in the public sector.
The George R. Loulan Award will be presented to Dave and Linda Durbano, Verde Canyon Railroad, in recognition of their support of passenger rail in the private sector.
The reception will be at 6:00 p.m., with dinner at 7:00 p.m. Business attire.
Golden Spike Table Sponsorships are $1,000 for a table of ten and will receive special recognition at the dinner.
Individual tickets are $50.00 each.
Please telephone 480/947-5710 for an R.S.V.P. card or to reserve your place. Please have your reservation in by September 24. We accept MasterCard and Visa.
