Daily News
Tempe Streetcar: Exceeding Expectations, Fueling Expansion
“Tempe Streetcar exceeds expectations, paving the way for expansion and improved transportation in the region.”
In its inaugural year, the Tempe Streetcar has not only surpassed ridership expectations but has also laid the groundwork for future expansion. This 3-mile streetcar route has swiftly become a preferred mode of transportation through Tempe’s busiest areas, presenting a compelling case for extending its reach into Mesa.
Tempe Streetcar Success
The streetcar’s successful launch is the culmination of over a decade of planning and development. Tempe’s sustainability and resilience director, Eric Iwersen, explains that the city’s landlocked nature prompted the need for high-capacity public transit. The city first implemented an extensive bus system, followed by light rail, and the streetcar serves as the next phase in this growth trajectory.
Since its opening in May 2022, the streetcar has catered to over 800,000 passengers, far surpassing the initial goal of 330,000 riders set by Valley Metro and Tempe. Operating as a hybrid between a light rail and a bus, the streetcar’s design resembles a small light rail car but offers more frequent stops and a slower pace.
The integration between the streetcar and the light rail has demonstrated the efficacy of a regional transportation system. Valley Metro capital planning manager Marty Ziech emphasizes the connectivity between different modes of transit, showcasing the streetcar’s role in the larger transportation network of metro Phoenix.
Looking ahead, Tempe and neighboring Mesa have allocated funds for a study to explore an extension of the streetcar route. This proposed expansion would journey east on Rio Salado Parkway, passing prominent locations like Tempe Marketplace and Sloan Park, before heading south on Dobson Road, linking to the Mesa Asian District and a light rail stop on Main Street.
While challenges exist, such as recent legislation limiting future rail funding, proponents of the project remain optimistic. Funding avenues include the possibility of reallocating existing transportation funds, leveraging federal transit money from the bipartisan infrastructure law, and seeking creative solutions to finance the streetcar’s future.
For now, the streetcar continues to operate fare-free, providing accessible transportation to all. Once fares are implemented, riders can expect to pay approximately $1, presenting an affordable option for convenient travel within Tempe.
The Tempe Streetcar had a successful first year, highlighting its potential to improve connectivity and growth in the region.As plans for expansion take shape, the streetcar stands poised to transform transportation in Tempe and beyond.
Source: Valley Metro, City of Tempe, Axios
Valley Metro: https://www.valleymetro.org/
City of Tempe: https://www.tempe.gov/government/engineering-and-transportation/transportation/bus-light-rail-paratransit-streetcar
Tempe Streetcar exceeded expectations in first year (Jessica Boehm) https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2023/09/18/tempe-streetcar-free-extension-cost-ridership
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