Arizona Rail Passenger AssociationArizona RailArizona RailRobert Hart's Comments

REFERENCE TITLE: Arizona Public Transportation Authority

Arizona
Silver Haired Legislature
Inaugural Session
1999

ASHL 9915

Introduced by
Robert Hart
Melba Hompertz
Glen Stamper

A RESOLUTION

ARIZONA PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY

A RESOLUTION urging the Legislature of the State of Arizona to enact legislation establishing an Arizona Public Transportation Authority.

Whereas, Improved and enhanced public transportation services will provide important benefits to all the people of Arizona, and

Whereas, Excessive reliance on private automobiles for personal transportation has caused increased traffic congestion, and the end result of this continued excessive reliance will be a diminution of the quality of life in Arizona, and

Whereas, Public transportation is a reliable way for disabled persons and those persons below the poverty level to get to doctor appointments, get groceries, go shopping, pick up prescriptions and get to and from work, and

Whereas, Experience both in other parts in the United States and in foreign countries indicates that a variety of fast, safe, dependable and energy-efficient public transportation services is an attractive alternative to the use of automobiles for a significant number of travels, and

Whereas, Existing rights of way in this state are well located for commuter intra-city and inter-city travel and can be upgraded at relatively low cost, and

Whereas, A variety of public transportation systems will increase the opportunity to attract new businesses to the State with the cooperative effort of the public and private sectors, and

Whereas, Arizona has no comprehensive planning agency responsible for public passenger systems.

Therefore, be it resolved by the Arizona Silver Haired Legislature

  1. That the Legislature of the State of Arizona be urged to enact legislation establishing an Arizona Public Transportation Authority, and
  2. That the Arizona Public Transportation Authority oversee and assist in developing fully the potential of a variety of modes for public transportation in Arizona, and
  3. That the Arizona Public Transportation Authority provide a public transportation plan that includes the cooperation of private businesses and State entities, and
  4. That the Arizona Public Transportation Authority develop a process for implementing and carrying out their plan.