POSITION PAPER
INTRA-STATE PASSENGER RAIL
27 June 1997
ARPA promotes the development and implementation of multi-county passenger
rail systems within Arizona. These systems would be administered by a State or
Regional Authority, operated on host railroad properties by a contracted
operating agency for the mobility of passengers and express shipments.
These rail systems would link the major population and tourism centers of
the State, alleviate many transportation related problems now facing the State,
and improve the living experience for present and future Arizona citizens:
- Encourage increased economic activity. Industries look for strong and
viable transportation services before relocating to a locality or expanding
present facilities.
- Encourage infill urban development in the cities.
- Reduce future highway investment requirements in selected corridors.
Provide improved alternate transportation modes to reduce pressure on the
highway systems.
- Improve air quality. Low emission and environmentally friendly rail
equipment is less polluting than the automobiles required to carry the same
number of people.
- Extend mobility to all Arizonans. Trains would provide an alternative
transportation mode to those unable or unwilling to drive.
- Encourage increased tourism.
- Promote the use of expanded bus service to connect with regional rail
stops.
Intra-State regional rail systems would be built and operated to provide the
greatest return to the State:
- Systems would utilize present conventional rail systems
- Routes would interface with other transportation modes.
- Trains would move large groups at high speeds.