Phoenix – Wiz Proposition 479Continuation of Maricopa County’s half-cent sales tax to fund transportation was on the ballot in November, with Valley Metro and other groups pushing for its continuation, but opponents say most people They argue that there is no need to tax consumer goods for services that do not.

Maricopa County residents now have easy access to public transportation. Light rail expansion, short-term rental bikes and scooters, and public buses are all viable options for Arizonans living in cities. As these options become more available, voters and organizations are competing over the taxes and costs of expanding these transit systems. Some places in Maricopa County may not be able to afford certain forms of public transportation to get into the city.

About 84% of Arizonans live in areas with unhealthy air, according to a December report from the American Lung Association.

“One of our goals is to provide sustainable transportation, and when you ride the light rail, when you ride the streetcar, you’re using zero-emissions transportation,” Valley said. said Metro spokeswoman Juliana Vasquez Keating. “Light rail operates on 100% electricity, so there are zero direct emissions during operation.”

The Maricopa Association of Governments says Proposition 479 will help keep average commute times at 30 minutes. About $9 billion of the $28.2 billion plan would fund transportation services. The sales tax would generate about $14.9 billion by 2045, help create 45.3 miles of bus routes and new lanes on conventional and HOV highways, and help maintain the light rail system. In addition, federal and local funds will be used to build 11.9 miles of new light rail.

“(It) not only funds public transportation, it also funds roads, it funds all of this,” Vazquez-Keating said. “So we want to continue funding transportation so that more people have sustainable transportation options.”

Valley Metro plans to extend Interstate 10 between west and central Phoenix. Also in the beginning stages of construction is a 5-mile extension into south Phoenix. Valley Metro receives subsidies from the U.S. Department of Transportation, but also receives local funding from sales taxes such as Proposition 479 and previous forms. Proposition 400 was passed in 2004. And Proposition 300 was passed in 1985.

“We know that Maricopa County is one of the fastest growing counties in the country, and its population continues to grow,” Vaskeskeating said. “So we’re working on expanding the system, and I’m confident that as we continue to grow, this system will serve even more people.”

Although Valley Metro does not serve the entire Phoenix metropolitan area, other towns and cities can still access Proposition 479 funds. Glendale has its own public transportation system, funded in part by sales taxes, including bus lines and the Glendale Urban Shuttle, a dial-a-ride version. But that money won’t be used for light rail.

“Due to the cost of light rail and lack of local and state funding, the City of Glendale will not extend light rail service to Glendale, instead providing frequent and accessible light rail service to all residents and visitors through multiple services.” We will continue to focus on providing transportation options,” a City of Glendale spokesperson said.

The proposal has opponents, including the Goldwater Institute, a conservative think tank that introduced Cronkite News to the Arizona Free Enterprise Club, which did not respond to requests for comment. They believe taxes on transportation projects are unnecessary because they deemed the previous light rail to be a “terrible failure.”

The Goldwater Institute says on its website that less than 1% of Valley residents use light rail, and the organization doesn’t want residents to pay for a service they don’t use as the cost of living rises. There is. valley metro 2024 report revealed that more than 36.8 million people rode public transportation services, of which approximately 11 million were on light rail and streetcars.

“This is not what residents had in mind when they originally agreed to pay more taxes to fund the Maricopa Expressway. “At a time when the cost of services is rising, residents should not expect to pay more taxes for government projects they will never benefit from,” the Goldwater Institute said on its website.

But proponents of Prop. 479 argue that more transportation options mean fewer single-occupant vehicles and fewer emissions.

“Passing Proposition 479 will give Arizonans more access to buses, improve our highways, and provide new high-occupancy lane miles,” said Arizona Public Interest Research Group Executive Director. , said Diane Brown. “Each can reduce vehicle idling, contributing to air quality.”