S.M.A.R.T.

Why build a transit system at all?

As any commuter will attest, getting to and from work or to shopping can be a daunting undertaking in the Phoenix area. In addition, the constant stopping and starting contributes greatly to air pollution levels as well as wear and tear on vehicles. Rail transit provides a comfortable, fast method for travel to work, shopping, and sports events. In addition, commercial centers located at or near the rail stations provide necessary services for workers which might otherwise require time off work to obtain. Wouldn't it be great to drop off the kids at day care, laundry at the cleaners, the car at the shop all on your way to work? And returning home, to be able to do shopping or enjoy dinner or a movie nearby or even AT the station? Imagine

Additionally, train systems provide opportunities for the work force to obtain highly skilled, well paying jobs from mechanics and engineers to train operators. Industry benefits by supplying parts and maintenance supplies as well as increased attendance in the workplace due to a reliable source of transportation for everyone. Taxi companies would have clearly defined pickup and drop off points to maximize their effectiveness as secondary transportation. Imagine getting off the plane at Sky Harbor, getting right onto a train at the airport and taking a cab the short distance to your home for less than the amount it would take to park for a day!!!

Why build over the canalways?

The usual arguments against public rail transit are primarily that the system does not afford the flexibility of a car, or that the rail system doesn't provide adequate access to residences, airports, business, sports or shopping centers. Careful study of the map provided show that the canal system, already in place, passes by and connects many of these hubs.

SRP already owns the right-of-way for these routes, and since they would be providing the power, they seem a likely proponent of this system with little coercion required.

Connecting links to provide loops could be constructed in the center of the existing freeway system and, since elevated, would not diminish the usable roadway.

Eminent Domain

Since there are no houses or commercial buildings occupying the space over the canals, the savings to implement this system would be in the BILLIONS... and since there are no structures to clear, construction could commence immediately!

Water Conservation

The elevated trackways would provide shade for the canals themselves, and would thereby reduce evaporation of this most precious resource.

Recreation

Having an elevated trackway would leave the banks of the canals free to use as they are now.

Other Points

If the system is constructed such that the cars are alternatively powered by hydrogen and built to operate on standard rail gauges, additional benefits surface. SRP can generate the hydrogen from water, and sell the byproduct (Oxygen) to industry. The lines themselves, since the cars could travel on standard rail, could be extended to Tucson and the Verde Valley with ease. Placing solar cell material between the tracks would provide almost 200 miles of electricity collectors which could provide power to crack the water molecule into FREE hydrogen and oxygen.

Funding

The federal government could be an interested party in this endeavor... and might be willing to provide up to half of the cost of such a system...

Ongoing Maintenance Costs

A rail system supports it's own maintenance due to the fact that it only carries paying passengers. Freeways and streets ONLY cost taxpayers year after year.