Business Interviews Highlight Benefits of Light Rail

Media Contacts
Jason Donofrio

Arizona PIRG Education Fund

Today the Arizona PIRG Education Fund released The Businesses of Light Rail: a Compilation of Local Business Interviews, which highlights economic and other benefits that light rail has provided for local businesses.

”Arizona businesses along the light rail have benefited from increased foot traffic, increased visibility, and transportation options for special events like community festivals,” said Jesse Victor, Transportation Associate for the Arizona PIRG Education Fund.

Whereas many people initially questioned the benefits of light rail, since the rail’s completion the overall feedback has been considerably positive. The Arizona PIRG Education Fund report includes interviews of businesses whose owners were initially against the light rail, but have since become advocates in favor after seeing the benefits light rail has provided their business and the Valley community in general.

The compilation includes one business for every other light rail stop, and encompasses businesses all along the light rail line, from the Sycamore and Main Street stop in Mesa to the 19th Avenue and Camelback stop in Phoenix. A variety of establishments are represented, from retail stores, to restaurants, to service establishments and art galleries.

“Although Arizona’s decision-makers have developed a plan for expanding the light rail line over the next 10 years, these plans have recently been put on hold and progress on the light rail’s expansion has been seriously delayed,” said Victor. “Arizona’s public officials need to recognize the immediate benefits light rail has already demonstrated for Arizona, and now more than ever follow through on our state’s burgeoning commitment to a 21st Century transportation system.”

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