Virtual open house opportunities are available until June 28 for members of the public to comment on streetcar stop areas and plans for operations of the system’s Rio/East Dobson extension. Studies currently under way will analyze how to best connect the existing streetcar line in downtown Tempe to activity centers and neighborhoods in a western direction.
The recommended route would continue the streetcar east along Rio Salado Parkway from Marina Heights in Tempe to Dobson Road in Mesa, then south to Main Street. Eric Iwersen, Transportation and Sustainability Director for the city of Tempe, said the studies are being undertaken to help ensure as positive a future as possible for the planning effort. Said Iwerson:
“Tempe has a long history of investing in public transportation in the Valley, as an important way to support mobility options for all visitors and residents but also to advance increasingly sustainable solutions. “The city’s neighborhood Orbit routes, city-wide bus routes and now the light rail and streetcar options all offer more efficient use of streets and do so with cleaner fuel that reduces pollution and carbon impacts.”
According to Iwerson, Tempe already has the highest per capita ridership in the region, with the streetcar exceeding ridership projections. Thus, he added, it has been determined important to explore extensions of a new system to high demand areas like Tempe Marketplace, ASU’s Novus District and growing neighborhoods in the east part of Tempe into Mesa.
The public can also participate virtually and provide feedback online at the Virtual Open House through Friday, June 28, at www.redestreetcar.com. A digital flyer containing details is also available, and an online visit to valleymetro.org/rede contains more information on the project.
In terms of background, the Rio East-Dobson Streetcar Extension Study builds on the Tempe/ Mesa Streetcar Feasibility Study, which was conducted spring 2018 through summer 2020. T
he REDE study will provide a detailed analysis of how streetcar can most effectively operate along the study route, from Rio Salado Parkway and Marina Heights in Tempe to Dobson Road in Mesa and south on Dobson Road to Main Street. The study includes determining traffic configuration and stop location areas.
