Arizona Rail Passenger Association

in the Arizona Republic, 20 April 2007:

Scottsdale should take steps to learn about the Valley’s light-rail system and keep an open mind on whether to join it, former Phoenix mayor Skip Rimsza advises.

Rimsza, who advocated the system now under construction between downtown Phoenix, Tempe and Mesa, said Scottsdale would benefit from the “icebreaker” work and infrastructure that other Valley cities have done so far.

“If you don’t, in my opinion, start today, you’re simply delaying the inevitable,” Rimsza told the Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce’s Partner Council during a light-rail debate Thursday.

The chamber’s board of directors this spring endorsed either light rail or modern streetcars for Scottsdale, but left the choice of location for fixed rail to city officials…

Rest of the story in the Republic

ARPA Members, Southwest Rail Subscribers, and Guests –

You are invited to ride with us on the Verde Canyon Railroad on Saturday, May 19th.  We have reserved an entire coach.

The train will leave Clarkdale, just two hours north of Phoenix, at 2:30pm, journey through the breaktaking Verde River Canyon, and return to Clarkdale at 6:30.  On board you may partake of the adjoining open-air car, the snack bar, and entertainment.

Adults $50, Seniors 65+ $45, Children 2-11 $32.  Checks (payable to ARPA), Mastercard, Visa accepted. Please call 480-947-5710 or use print and mail this form:

in the Arizona Republic, 16 April 2006:

Mesa’s past and future are mixing together in the first development planned to take advantage of Metro light rail service.

West Main Station Village features a stucco and tile ramada similar to one used by the city’s first train station when it opened in 1930, connecting Mesa to Phoenix by rail. It proposes to mix townhouses with shops…

“We’re looking at it as definitely taking advantage of the light rail,” architect Fred Woods said. “If the light rail wasn’t there, we probably wouldn’t be doing the project.”

 Rest of the story in the Arizona Republic

…Scottsdale will soon have to decide whether to seek participation in a Valley Metro Rail study to analyze a potential city route…

“If we don’t see if we can be included in that, that’s a big door slamming shut,” said Councilwoman Betty Drake, who has not ruled out supporting light rail. “The possibility of studying the Tempe connection isn’t something we should overlook.”

Councilman Bob Littlefield, a light-rail opponent, had a contrary opinion.

“If we said ‘let’s do a study,’ guess what it’s going to say?” Littlefield said. “Why would I want to encourage them to study something that’s a bad idea?”

…Although no Scottsdale council member has endorsed light rail, a majority has not ruled out the possibility of running it along Scottsdale Road to SkySong at McDowell Road or to, but not through, downtown…

The council is awaiting the recommendation from the city’s $1.1 million master transportation plan update… [and] has agreed in principle that it will call an election to decide the fate of light rail or streetcar, the two fixed-rail options being studied in the transportation plan.

The Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce endorsed light rail or streetcar and promised to be involved in a possible election…

Rest of the story in the East Valley Tribune

Valley Metro Rail train being towed for clearance test.
Observed 27 March 2007 from the Desert Schools Federal Union, 48th Street and Washington. Reprinted with permission of the photographer.