Southwest Transit Assessment and Review TeamFORMATION
In 1996 the Southwest Volunteer Services in Goodyear sponsored a Transportation Forum. Representatives from the Department of Commerce, Maricopa County Department of Transportation , Valley Metro, state and local officials, social services agencies, business organization and concerned citizens attended.
Three main areas were identified at the meeting:
- Transportation within cities
- Transportation between cities
- General issues of public awareness and long and short term solutions
With the assistance of the City of Goodyear a second forum was held in our community as a part of the community forums held throughout Maricopa County. The Forum attended by 50 was held November 2, 1996 at Estrella Mountain Community College and the information became part of a report done by the Morrison Institute and a part of the START committee emphasis.
ORGANIZATION
With the cooperation of Southwest Volunteer Services, Southwest Community Network and the Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce a task force was formed and monthly meetings established. This Committee includes employers, educators, city administration and elected officials, Maricopa County, MAG and RPTA representation. The area covered is Avondale, Buckeye, Goodyear, Litchfield Park, and Tolleson. Gila Bend has been contacted but to date not represented. Currently, START functions as the transportation committee of the Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce.
ACTIVITIES
- Monthly meetings
- Mapping of major employers by location and number of employees
- Coordination of bike paths throughout southwest by city council members
- Coordination with Ajo Stage Lines
- Publication of bus routes in the Avondale City Page and the SWV Chamber of Commerce Directory
- Identification change of Avondale Bus Route (from Maryvale 560)
- Alternate forms of transportation are being studied and encouraged (i.e. Neighborhood Electric Vehicles and Golf Carts)
- FTA Job Access and Reverse Commute Grant Application submitted and awarded May '99
January 14, 1998 a Transportation Survey was distributed in the Southwest area to determine what were the needs, where they were, and how many trips were involved. The results are available to any interested party. Sponsors of the survey included Arizona Public Service, Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce, Valley Metro, MAG and the West Valley View. The data developed from this instrument was key to the FTA Job Access and Reverse Commute Grant Application.
The Transportation Survey also revealed a community interest in commuter rail. To that end, the START committee is exploring the feasibility of commuter rail using existing rail in the area. In August, 2002, a conference call with Union Pacific confirmed the possibility of a demonstration commuter rail project.
The START committee continues to seek alternatives to answer community transportation needs.
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