Phoenix 1997 Transit Election

Why do we need public transportation?

"EPA downgrades Phoenix's ozone rating to 'serious'" By Mary Jo Pitzl, The Arizona Republic, Aug. 26, 1997. Abstract: The federal Environmental Protection Agency on Monday demoted the Valley to "serious" for its ozone pollution, completing trio of such dismal ratings for the Phoenix area.
STPP's Press Release ("Public Transportation a Financial Winner--Pays a 4-to-1 Return on Investment to Taxpayers") and full report of "Dollars and Sense" -- a report by Donald H. Camph and supported by The Campaign for Efficient Passenger Transportation. QUOTE: "Without public transportation, Chicago would need 2,424 miles of new freeway..."
"Coalition speeds efforts to spur transit funding" Mesa Tribune, 9 July 1997, page A6. QUOTE: (Statistic from "Dollars and Sense") "The Valley would need 96 lane miles of new freeway if the area's 19,775 current public transit commuters suddenly hopped into cars..." (96 lane-miles would be 32 miles of 3-lane highway)