Mr. Farley goes to Phoenix June 14th, 2007
From the Tucson Daily Star’s Political Notebook by Daniel Scarpinato [emphasis added -- AzRail Ed.]
A recent posting on Craigslist caught the attention of a few politicos: Read the rest of this entry »
Tempe Pushes for Commuter Rail June 8th, 2007
from the Arizona Republic
In February 1980… then-Gov. Bruce Babbitt had declared a state of emergency to get Amtrak passenger trains to shuttle workers and others throughout the Valley after massive flooding destroyed highway bridges.
Fast forward to 2007 and once again, shuttle-train service is being weighed to solve the state’s traffic woes.
This time, Tempe Mayor Hugh Hallman is at the head of a line of leaders pushing for commuter rail service…
Rest of the story:
http://www.azcentral.com/community/tempe/articles/0606tr-commuterrail0607.html
Heavy (Commuter) rail pushed for transit May 19th, 2007
The Arizona Republic
May. 18, 2007 02:33 PM
Arizona leaders are toying with the idea of using the [railway lines] that carry freight to shuttle passengers in the future and alleviate street and highway traffic as the state’s population grows to 16 million by 2050.
The idea is in its earliest stages. Community transportation leaders say labor union concerns could hijack the idea and that such a plan would require cooperation from a host of agencies and private companies.
“Heavy rail takes planning and it would require preserving the right of way now, working with Union Pacific now and working with the kinds of facilities (roads and businesses) that would come in the future,” Tempe Mayor Hugh Hallman said.
Hallman is among Southeast Valley leaders pushing for commuter rail, sometimes called heavy rail. They said they believe the idea is a better alternative than widening Interstate 10 through Tempe, Ahwatukee and other parts of Phoenix…
Rest of the story in the Arizona Republic
ADOT set to release report on congestion, mass transit April 3rd, 2007
Arizona Republic, 3 April 2007
The Arizona Department of Transportation is set to issue a report on mass-transportation needs in the state.
The report, which was called for in an executive order by Gov. Janet Napolitano, is expected to be made public on Friday.
Jim Dickey, Arizona Department of Transportation public transportation director, led a series of meetings around the state… Opponents and proponents of light rail, commuter rail, bus service and other forms of mass transit were able to voice their opinions.
Austin, TX: Commuter rail gets closer with new trains April 2nd, 2007
from the Austin Business Journal – March 28, 2007
Capital Metro’s first urban commuter rail train is a long way from home at Stadler Rail Group’s Switzerland manufacturing plant, but it’s already making an impact in Austin as the first of six diesel-electric trains to have finished assembly… The new train will arrive in Austin for more track testing here this fall…
The six trains will make up Austin’s commuter rail fleet, scheduled to begin running every 30 minutes during morning and afternoon rush hours from Leander to downtown Austin. Commuter rail service is scheduled to begin in late 2008…
