Finally… a balanced plan for ALL of us!

January 13th, 2006

An important aspect of our Transportation Plan is the balanced approach it takes to meet our community’s overall transportation needs.

This is a very comprehensive Plan.

Roadways and Transit
It includes improvements for roadways and public transportation, as well as many safety improvements. In the Plan, key east-west as well as north-south roads will be widened, and intersections will be improved making it easier to get across town.

But the plan isn’t just about roads. The hours and routes of public transit service will increase. People with disabilities will be offered expanded transportation services. Six new park and ride centers will be added in the region. The Plan will also include miles and miles of new bicycle lanes and sidewalks as well as improved pedestrian crossings and railroad crossings to increase safety.

Because the plan is balanced in its approach to modes of transportation, it means less waiting time in traffic or at the bus stop and more options for everyone.

Regional Benefits
The plan is also designed to promote an efficiently linked system throughout the region. From Marana to Oro Valley and Sahuarita to Tucson, this plan was designed to improve regional transportation and keep traffic moving.

Rush-hour drivers in the Pima County region lost $603 annually in wasted time and fuel stuck in traffic, an average of 36 hours and 22 gallons per person. Collectively, this costs the region $233 million and 13.8 million hours in lost productivity.

Even if you don’t travel during rush hour or out of town often, the price and availability of groceries, and other consumer goods can be affected by a slowdown in regional traffic.

The Plan takes into consideration existing regional rail lines, interstate freeways, streets, transit, bikeways and pedestrian paths and makes them work together with the improvements in the Plan to enhance accessibility for people and consumer goods. Businesses in the region can expect to see a production cost savings of nearly $446 million from the transportation improvements.

Because this plan is regional in scope it will help us balance the needs of our neighborhoods, both urban and suburban, with the needs of the entire region. It will benefit not just ourselves as we get around town, but also our regional economy.

Balance with Nature
The Transportation Plan will also help us live in balance with the environment. The Transportation Plan works with the values and goals of the Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan that voters passed in 2004.

Highways and development are a common threat to wildlife worldwide, often leaving wildlife trapped, or with limited habitat of their own. One way the Transportation Plan supports our communities’ conservation efforts is by focusing on strengthening urban cores. Another way is by sustaining critical wildlife linkages. The Transportation Plan allots 45 million dollars to ensure that these critical wildlife corridors are sustained and improved.

Because the transportation plan helps us stay in balance with nature, we can take steps to keep our beautiful blue skies and expansive desert views, and still get to work on time.

You can find out more about the transportation plan directly from the Regional Transportation Authority at http://www.rtamobility.org

Entry Filed under: Home Page Feature, Balance