Survey: NW Valley wants broader transit service

More than 80 percent of northwest Valley drivers are alone in their cars when they go to work, play or run errands, according to a recent survey by the Maricopa Association of Governments.

Most residents would like to see more public transit available throughout the day.

MAG, a regional planning agency, will incorporate the survey results into the Northwest Valley Local Transit System Study, a blueprint that will guide how local agencies invest in future public transit.

The association surveyed hundreds of residents in communities such as Surprise, Peoria, Sun City, Sun City Grand, Sun City West and south to Buckeye over the course of the summer and into fall.

A majority of residents surveyed said public transportation in the region needs to serve more areas. They also want buses and other forms of transit to run more frequently.

Even people who described themselves as “non-riders” of public transportation said area cities need more regional connections.

The study is the latest milestone in the agency’s effort to craft a road map for regional transit.

Last year, northwest Valley cities asked the association to help them create a transit plan, even though there is little public funding to build new systems such as commuter rail or buses, according to MAG spokesman Marc Pearsall.

In the summer, MAG planners held a series of community meetings and focus groups.

Planners could have the regional plan ready as early as spring. Northwest Valley cities will have to decide whether they collectively want to fund moreextensive public transportation, Pearsall said.

That report will include recommendations for plans that could help West Valley residents now and in the future. In the final report, MAG also will discuss how various plans could be funded.

MAG will consider ways the cities could contract with transportation companies, form public-private partnerships or use taxi-voucher systems.