Arizona Rail Passenger Association

by Pat Kossan, The Arizona Republic, 12 June 1999.

QUOTE: “Maricopa County is tempering its plans for a downtown Phoenix jail complex, bowing to the city’s demands to save Jackson Street’s old buildings and its potential as an arts and cultural center. The county’s new proposal, which has yet to be approved by the Board of Supervisors, keeps the jail and a six-level parking garage on the drawing board. But the morgue will move, and an old railroad depot [the Santa Fe Freight House] will be restored instead of torn down…”

“Area plans would benefit from county-city cooperation” Editorial, The Arizona Republic 10 June 1999, page B6.

Maricopa County has proposed razing the Santa Fe Freight House just northwest of Union Station to erect a 2000 car parking garage and a morgue.

“The Phoenix and Maricopa County governments need to take seriously the recommendations of the newly formed Jackson Street Advisory Committee… every dusty old pile of bricks knocked down for a jail or morgue or a parking structure is a load of life extracted from Phoenix’s future.”

On 29 July 1995, Wickenburg Arizona celebrated the one hundred year anniversary of its railroad depot. The structure stands in its original 1895 design, without additions or modifications, and is one of the few such surviving examples of “Wild West” railroad architecture. Vice-Mayor Carol Ann Beard briefly described the history of the depot, which now serves as the Chamber of Commerce. “Estelle’s Garden,” in memory of a longtime Chamber supporter, was dedicated. The ceremonies were followed by food, music, lemonade, and ice cream, to the delight of the attendees who braved the unusually hot afternoon.

This depot last saw passenger service in May 1969 when the Santa Fe discontinued the “Peavine Line” train between Phoenix and Williams Junction. Freight still travels the line, including auto-racks for the El Mirage auto distribution center, intermodal traffic to and from Phoenix, and general merchandise.

The Arizona Rail “White Paper,” issued by A.R.P.A. in 1992, calls for regional passenger rail service, including extension to Wickenburg.

Chuck Wullenjohn

The historic Yuma rail passenger depot was gutted by fire started by faulty wiring in May, 1993, and the remains were demolished by the City of Yuma this past summer. The depot’s mission  tile roof had been caved in by the blaze and the sad charred walls, surrounded by a sagging chain link fence, were all the remained for nearly 18 months.

Abandoned as a transportation facility over 20 years ago, the City took title to the building and used it to house the Yuma Art Center. Amtrak passengers, as they have for many years, use a tunnel underneath the tracks to get to the station platform. This tunnel and platform were once part of the depot complex which saw as many as seven passenger trains a day each direction. Today, no structure stands were the depot, originally constructed in 1926 and for many years Yuma’s transportation hub, once proudly stood. The director of the Yuma Art Society says that the expense of salvaging the depot would have been too great.

Currently there is not even a public telephone within walking distance. Waiting facilities are minimal.

An idea has arisen which has great merit, however; the director of the art society has proposed that a grassy park be built on the old station grounds. The park would feature outdoor artwork as well as acting as a waiting area for train passengers. If lighting, telephones,  and covered waiting areas are included, this would be a real and lasting improvement.

Yuma is Arizona’s third largest metropolitan area, and deserves a better rail passenger facility. Perhaps the active support of ARPA and Amtrak could make this park a reality. But as of today, nothing is being done; Yuma Amtrak passengers still wait for their tri-weekly train in the dead of night.

Bill Lindley – An Interview with Bob Barber (May 1994)

I recently spoke with Bob Barber about the Tempe City Transportation Committee. This committee considers items ranging from how proposed freeways will impact downtown traffic to the funding and routing of buses. Since the success of a Regional Rail system can hinge on its interface with each city’s transportation infrastructure, I found this discussion of a current project insightful.

The Tempe City Transportation Committee is currently considering a new Bus Transit Center for near the ASU campus. One of the primary goals of such a Center would be to serve the large student population, which generates much bus ridership.

Proposals currently include a location at the corner of College and University; at the north end of Tempe Center; and at the northeast corner of College and University. These options and others are being considered for their accessibility and potential ridership. The Committee has received a great deal of input from ASU and the community.

[The new Tempe Transit Center is expected to open in 2007 or 2008 at the new ASU Light Rail Station. -- Ed.]