From: "Friends of Transit" Subject: Results of High Capacity Transit Plan Reviewed - Citizens Invited to Provide Input Date: Thursday, December 05, 2002 9:17 AM FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Kelly Taft Communications Manager (602) 452-5020 Results of High Capacity Transit Plan Reviewed; Citizens Invited to Provide Input PHOENIX (December 2, 2002) - Valley residents often ask about the possibility of using existing railroad tracks for commuter rail. Now, the results of a high capacity transit study may help answer that question, and residents are invited to listen to a review of the results and provide input on recommended service options as a result of the study. The Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) conducted the High Capacity Transit Plan Study to evaluate the possible use of commuter rail as a transit option. The Study examines commuter rail along existing freight corridors, and light rail transit or bus rapid transit along congested roadways. The next steps include recommending service options to develop the best transit network for both high capacity and other types of transit services. In addition to the MAG study, Valley Metro has conducted a Regional Transit System Study to consider all forms of transit, such as local and express bus, dial-a-ride, vanpool and rural transit options. The recommendations of both studies will be reviewed at the public sessions. "With the booming population and employment growth predicted for our region, new transit services are needed so people can get to their jobs, medical appointments, shopping and recreational opportunities," said MAG Regional Chair Wendy Feldman-Kerr, Mayor of the Town of Queen Creek. "Commuter rail and other high capacity transit services, such as light rail or bus rapid transit, could offer travel options in addition to, or in combination with, taking a car or bus," she said. The locations and times for the community meetings are as follows: Tuesday, December 10, 2002 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Southeast Regional Library 775 N. Greenfield Road Assembly Room Gilbert Thursday, December 12, 2002 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. City of Glendale City Hall 5850 W. Glendale Avenue Room B5 Glendale Monday, December 16, 2002 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Burton Barr Central Library 1221 N. Central Avenue Pulliam Auditorium Phoenix As part of the studies, several advanced transit technologies were reviewed. Based on factors such as future population, employment, trip length and congestion, the studies identify several corridors as possible candidates for high capacity transit services. Results of the studies will be included in the development of the new Regional Transportation Plan currently being developed by MAG. The Regional Transportation Plan will guide transportation investments in the region for the next 20 to 40 years. For more information please contact Kelly Taft, MAG Communications Manager, or Dawn Coomer, MAG Multi-modal Program Manager, at (602) 254-6300. Spanish language assistance is also available by calling (602) 452-5076. # # #