Proposed Phx/Tuc rail: Deception and Deceit

Lately we have been hearing a lot about seeking public input for one of three possible routes for the proposed train between Phoenix and Tucson. These invitations are deceitful and disingenuous. First, they make it seem that the train is coming and we just need to determine the route. Second, there is no mention of seeking input regarding whether the train should be funded at all. This a very deceptive strategy. I once served on the Arizona Department of Transportation Technical Advisory Committee and I have been very active in transportation policy issues for over 40 years. In my opinion, if this train is funded, it will be the most extravagant and wasteful government boondoggle in the history of Arizona; costing several billion dollars. It will make the billions we are wasting on light rail seem like conservative investments.

Heavy rail passenger construction in Arizona makes absolutely no economic sense. Arizona citizens should put a stake through the heart of this ill-conceived plan now, before it sucks any more of the lifeblood from our economy.