MAG releases second transportation survey and wants residents’ feedback
This survey is the next step in the process
(Submitted photo/MAG)
Jay Hicks from Dig Studio goes over some illustrations provided during the Maricopa Association of Governments’ presentation.
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Planning for change within a community, the best thing we can do is to hear from voices in the community. Roadway or safety improvements should come from individuals in the communities before we start to come up with public transportation options. I do not want to propose anything if it is actually not needed.”
Adina Lind with Maricopa Association of Governments
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The Maricopa Association of Governments in partnership with Valley Metro and Maricopa County, are conducting the Sun Cities Transportation Innovation Study for the Sun Cities area.
Two events were held earlier this month, with one taking place in Sun City West and the other in Sun City.
Adina Lind with Maricopa Association of Governments is managing the project. The goal is to explore and recommend innovative, long-term and cost-effective transportation improvements and to update the previous 2005 Sun Cities Transportation Study.
The goals now are to develop a short-term, mid-term and long-term action plan for the transportation needs of the Sun Cities area and outline an implementation plan for the recommended strategies, according to the MAG website.
According to Lind, about 100 people attended the event between the two locations, and it is important to hear from all the residents in the Sun Cities to get an accurate response.
Chris Lemka from Burgess & Niple answers questions from residents about the Maricopa Association of Governments’ presentation.
(Submitted photo/MAG)
“Planning for change within a community, the best thing we can do is to hear from voices in the community. Roadway or safety improvements should come from individuals in the communities before we start to come up with public transportation options. I do not want to propose anything if it is actually not needed,” she said.
Proposing any transportation solutions no one will use would not be fiscally responsible, Lind added.
The study kicked off last summer and the first survey was created last November, when 1,500 people participated. This survey focused on how people are getting around the Sun Cities. This includes whether people are driving, using golf carts, as well as asking where they are going.
Lind said now MAG officials are drilling down on the fact a lot of people still drive and now they want to look at road safety improvements and things that can be done to create a better experience.
“Is there better signage or striping that needs to be added or is there an area residents are concerned about speed in,” she said.
The second part also included public transportation options for the future, including smaller scale shuttles or buses and also determining from residents if they need door-to-door transportation or if they are willing to walk five minutes to get to a stop. Lind said they also want to know how much individuals would be willing to pay.
This is a 15-year process, according to Lind and these are still the beginning stages, but she said they need individuals to continue to participate through the whole process. Right now, only 40 people have responded to the second survey.
Residents can sign up for email updates, take part in the second survey or leave comments at https://azmag.gov/Surveys.
This study will take approximately 18 months, as MAG officials are taking into account winter visitors. Linda said full-time and part-time residents should all fill out the second survey.
“It does matter for snowbirds because they are still traveling throughout the community and many times become permanent residents in the future,” she said.
Even those concerns brought up by residents, such as light timing can be addressed with the Maricopa County Department of Transportation
Lind said the study is looking at a variety of autonomous options, as well as Uber, Lyft and microtransit options.
Currently there are no Valley Metro bus options stops in Sun City West and two in Sun City. Sun City West Foundation Find Your Ride Mobility Manager Kathy Chandler informed residents during the February presentation of the MAG survey. She said individuals should take part to ensure the transportation needs can be met in the community.
Banner Olive Branch Senior Center Director Jennifer Lawless said Northwest Valley Connect is housed inside the center and the partnership to host the event was a way to hear from members.
:”We are very aware of how many people are looking for help with rides,” she said.
Lawless said she knew the importance of the MAG survey from attending a Find Your Ride meeting and feedback from those who take part in the senior center was crucial.
She said knowing transportation can be a real cause of concern for many of the senior center members and the need for more, is why it was important to host this presentation.
“Not having access to transportation because it’s financially out of reach or because there are just no available options can have a negative impact on older people such as missing crucial medical appointments, not being able to pick up prescriptions or get to the grocery store. Even missing social opportunities -- all of these things can negatively impact a person’s health and well-being.,” said Lawless.
Reporter Jennifer Jimenez can be reached at jjimenez@iniusa.org. Please submit comments at yourvalley.net/letters or email them to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.
In 2020, Jennifer Jimenez began working for Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA. She began her career as a sports reporter in Peoria and Glendale, covering the very same schools she used to compete at. During this time, she also worked for television news, magazines and sports radio stations.
Community: Jennifer is a member of the Hall of Fame at Peoria High School where she graduated in 2001, alongside her father Joe Hernandez. She serves youth soccer players as a pro-trainer and coach.
Education: Grand Canyon University 2005 B.A. Liberal Arts
Ranom Fact: She has a street named after her in south Peoria “Jennifer Rose Court.”
Hobbies: Country dancing, coaching soccer, teaching private swim lessons and running are things she does for fun.
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