Road runner: Rail-link study steering toward dusty shelf

Like most things on our collective wish list, there's no money.

And like most studies, without the money, there's a real good chance it will just take up space on a shelf until it's too old to do any good, and then we'll have to do another study all over again.

It's a vicious cycle.

Although the plan envisions an intercity passenger rail system that would eventually stretch from Northern Arizona to the Mexican border - mostly on new rail corridors instead of operating on existing tracks - the highest priority section would be the Phoenix-to-Tucson link. Transportation officials are predicting strong ridership for that stretch, saying it would relieve Interstate 10 of some of its traffic.

The report indicates the Phoenix-Tucson segment would cost about $2 billion for track, right of way and other costs. They didn't try to take a stab at operating costs.

The report indicates there are federal grants available, as well as the potential for direct loans that can fund 100 percent of a railroad project with repayment periods of up to 35 years.

The federation of state Public Interest Research Groups, which has a public-interest-activism bent, is on board with passenger rail. "We will reach a point where we can't build more airport runways or further expand our highways," said Serena Unrein, the public interest advocate for the Arizona PIRG Education Fund.

But how is a state that is slashing education and burning health care supposed to pay?

Public-private partnerships are a familiar fallback for projects that cost a lot but have some revenue potential.

After looking at the issue, however, PIRG folks are less excited about such partnerships, saying they have a mixed record.

On one hand, they offset the risk to taxpayers of high-speed rail projects. On the other hand, they warn there are other costs. Private companies want to pay shareholders. The government has to hire lawyers and financial experts to make sure the agreements work in the best interest of the public. There can be diminished control over the operation.

Among the group's suggestions: Pursue only such agreements where there is enough competition for it to go to bid. Have clear accountability with just one government agency responsible for oversight of the project. The public should retain control over key decisions, and the agreements shouldn't unreasonably limit future government action.

"We think that passenger rail can be supplemented with private financing," Unrein said, "but no one should go into passenger rail thinking private funding can wholly replace public commitment."

Pardon our skepticism, but we haven't raised gas taxes for a long time, and this particular Legislature doesn't seem poised to dump a lot of money into an untested rail system.

Still, Unrein is undeterred, saying she's convinced the public will continue lobbying lawmakers and the Transportation Department to push forward.

"I haven't spoken to anyone who really loves that drive on the way to Phoenix, or who thinks spending time on I-10 is a good use of an afternoon."

RTA seeking applicants for citizens committee

The Regional Transportation Authority is seeking applicants to fill up to five vacant positions on the Citizens Accountability for Regional Transportation Committee.

Members of the committee are responsible for overseeing implementation of the $2.1 billion regional transportation plan, which includes 51 ballot items approved by voters in 2006.

The advisory committee, which meets quarterly, also reviews the RTA's annual report, which details project status, the volume of sales-tax collections and how the tax dollars are spent each year.

Committee members serve staggered terms, and new members will serve a four-year term, starting Oct. 1, 2011.

Applicants must complete an application form, available at www.RTAmobility.com. Applications must be mailed and postmarked, or hand-delivered to the Pima Association of Governments, 177 N. Church Ave., Suite 405, Tucson, AZ, by 5 p.m. Aug. 26, 2011.

Road Q

Linda Breck hopes for a refresher on the rules for intersections with red-light cameras. "Can I pull out into the intersection? How far? Should a driver wait until the green arrow appears, even though someone may start honking? When I talk to others, I realize that I am not the only one confused," she said.

A: No worries, Linda. You certainly aren't the only one confused. And those expensive tickets can sure mess up the rest of your day.

But it's decidedly best not to block the intersection for other drivers.

The Tucson Police Department wants you to treat those intersections as you would any other.

You will receive a ticket, they say, only if you enter the intersection after the signal turns red.

If you're already in, you're fine to proceed.

So what's in? If you're past the curb extensions on either side of the street, you should be good to go.

You can turn right at a photo intersection as well. Just make sure you come to a full stop first, don't stop within the crosswalk itself, and yield to pedestrians.