Local opinion: Facts to counter assertions by opponents of RTA Next

I have heard and read arguments against the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA Next) Plan and Tax by City of Tucson residents, many by my colleagues and friends. I would like to address opponents’ assertions with facts. Here are the top reasons I have heard to oppose, and my responses:

These Propositions, 418 and 419, are focused on road widenings, and not safety.

Let’s look at what’s on the ballot: Of the proposed new road corridor projects there is a total of $740 million (16 projects) of widening sections of roads, new section of roads, or freeway interchanges. All of these include safety measures such as bicycle and pedestrian improvements.

Alternately, there is $418 million of corridor projects (14 projects) funding only safety improvements. All of these include bicycle and pedestrian improvements, many if not most within the City of Tucson. And there is a stand-alone category for safety projects of $255 million. This $673 million will go a long way for making our streets safer.

The first RTA plan was mismanaged and not delivered as promised.

Having served on the Citizens Advisory Committees for both the 2006 RTA 1 and RTA Next, I understand the concerns about past leadership. I have closely followed the implementation of the widely supported 2006 Plan and helped guide the Critical Wildlife Linkage project funding. However, we now have 100% different Board leadership, and importantly, different staff leadership in former City of Tucson Manager Michael Ortega, a trusted leader who has a track record of project delivery.

There is not enough transit.

The RTA Next Plan (Prop 418) and half-cent sales tax (Prop 419) will fund close to three-quarters of a billion dollars for continuation of the 2006 Sun Tran service enhancements in the bus, paratransit, dial-a-ride, and the popular streetcar. I am concerned particularly for the low-income, disabled and elderly residents who rely on some form of the Sun Tran system. As well, with a robust public transit system, more people who have a choice will choose to ride the bus.

The City of Tucson does not get its fair share in RTA Next.

The City of Tucson corridor projects and the share of regional funds in the proposed corridor improvements, safety, ADA (disability access), bicycle and pedestrian improvements, and road rehabilitation, add up to 52% for the City of Tucson, Pima County receives 28%, and the smaller jurisdictions just a few percent each. (This is all detailed in the RTA Administrative Code) Is this Tucson’s “fair share?” Perhaps or perhaps not, but this is a regional plan, meeting regional needs, and paid for by sales taxes collected throughout the region, including that by visitors.

Is there more to do in the city? Yes. Tucson needs more investment in “Move Tucson,” the City’s long-range and visionary transportation plan. As a Tucsonan who travels by foot, bike, bus, streetcar, and automobile, I applaud City leadership and their effort to find resources to implement this plan. I will enthusiastically get behind that effort.

For those voters that are still undecided, please look through the ballot information to fully understand what is in Props 418 & 419, and decide for yourself if this local investment is worth supporting. I do and I will be voting yes on both.