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Opinion: Lawmakers are pushing an anti-transit agenda that not only fails to meet metro Phoenix’s needs, but also would likely fail at the ballot box.
By J. Doug Pruitt opinion contributor
Our community, our economy and our quality of life have thrived because of our past investments in a well-functioning, balanced transportation system.
While other communities in other states have fallen behind, our region has been able to keep up with growth and support a booming economy because of our commitment to our freeway, street and transit infrastructure.
Our success is a testament to our local leaders who understood the critical connection between transportation and our future economy when they came together nearly 40 years ago to pass the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) and again nearly 20 years later with its continuation.
A plan that’s now in peril.
Lawmakers are pushing an anti-transit agenda
I was proud to play a role in the continuation – chairing the Yes on Proposition 400 campaign in 2004. We understood then it was critical to have a multimodal plan to move people, goods and services throughout the Valley in ways to reduce congestion, improve our air quality and build strong communities.
That is why Proposition 400 took a balanced approach and called for new or improved freeways, streets, additional bus routes, additional light rail, additional dial-a-ride and more. Nearly 6 in 10 Maricopa County voters said yes at the polls.
J. Doug Pruitt served as chairman of the Yes on 400 Committee in 2004. He is former chairman and CEO of Sundt Construction and former national president of AGC of America (2009). Reach him at doug@jdpruittllc.com.
