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31st December 2009

This is 2010

posted at 10.00 am under themes Opinion and Comment and tags , , , , , ,

Yes, yes, I know: when you’re reading this, the world slowly is marching into 2010.  That doesn’t take away from the spirit of this post, which is looking forward and offering my hopes and dreams for this place that we all call home.

Let’s get to it…

First, I hope that Phoenix (and even the metro area) start realizing that there is enough infrastructure here into which we need to grow.  We don’t need to keep sprawling out as we have.  Let’s fix that which is already here.  There are some true gems that we don’t need to go and unsustainably expand.  Let’s also diversify how we build and not put all our economic eggs in one basket.  Arizona was one of the hardest hit states in this recession because we put all our energy into growth.  Nothing else.

For the light rail, I have three wishes. First, let’s get rid of the one-car trains.  They look silly.  How much more does it cost to operate a two-car train?  Second, let’s take a look at frequency.  Sundays operate at three trains per hour.  The riders are there: let’s say that the minimum frequency is four trains per hour (or, 15 minutes between trains).  Third, let’s not eliminate the Friday/Saturday late night service (to 3am).

For Arizona, I hope that our state legislature realizes that it cannot cut our way out of this budget crisis.  We need to find new, reliable ways to gain revenue and invest in things that will keep the people here.  Because, given how you’re disenfranchising those who call this place home by cutting monies to public education, parks, protection, etc., people are going to evaluate if they want to stay here.  As for me, I’m on the fence.

And lastly, for me: this time come next year, and provided that everything goes as planned, I’ll have my Bachelor of Sciences degree in Urban & Metropolitan Studies.  I’ll have written and defended a thesis on social network analysis and how Web 2.0 has affected that.  I’m sure I’ll meet some fantastic people along the way.  And maybe someone special, too. :)

So Happy New Year 2010. May this year be peaceful, engaging, and productive.

Peace!

-Edward Jensen

View Comments
  • Tony Arranaga
    According to a METRO spokesperson, the transit agency saves $600,000 per year on the single car trains. That's not per car, that's per year. A single car uses half of the propulsion power, in addition to the maintenance savings (less cars to service). The METRO spokesperson also tells me the agency 'will employ single cars based upon the demand. So on Sundays, which are typically are lower ridership days, you’ll see single cars in use.'

    From a rider's perspective the dollar amount looks rather small compared to the overall budget which I'm assuming is in the tens of millions. I guess these days you have to cut corners wherever possible? Maybe advertising on the station platforms and on trains will help offset some of the operating budget and we'll see two car trains on a regular basis. Or better yet.. more daily riders! :)
  • Edward Jensen
    Thanks, Tony, for the information. I'm more okay with the single-car trains on days with reduced ridership (Sundays with no sports in Downtown Phoenix), holidays (Christmas Day), etc., but not during rush hours. It seems like, around 5.20pm at the Van Buren/Central Ave station, there's a one-car train heading westbound. It's packed already, and it gets even more packed at that station. The ridership is clearly there.

    [steps off soapbox]
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