The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) is making moves to bring Tucson metro residents into the conversation regarding the future of their commutes and community connectivity. They've rolled out the carpet, not in a grand, fanciful manner, but with a straightforward call for public engagement through a series of open houses. These sessions are designed to gather feedback on a $2.46 billion, 20-year blueprint aimed at revamping regional transportation.
Passed by the RTA Board on September 26, the draft scheme anticipates a bevvy of improvements across the board: transit enhancements, safety upgrades catered to Americans with Disabilities Act standards, as well as active transportation, reconstructions of arterial networks, environmental considerations, and roadway corridor projects. These proposed changes aren't just for show; they're the next steps in a long-term plan to take Tucson's transit into the 21st century, backed by a half-cent excise tax greenlit by Pima County voters back in '06.
Residents keen on chipping in with their two cents can earmark November and December on their calendars—as per a statement from Pima County officials. The open houses serve as a platform for voices to be heard and for the RTA to elucidate details regarding the extensive project. There's no mention of pomp or circumstance, just the business of transportation and the nuts and bolts of what moving forward looks like.
For those who are unable to attend open houses, the RTA offers more information online at RTAnext.com. There, you can find fact sheets, FAQs, and details about the plan development process. Since voters approved their 20-year plan, the RTA has quietly worked on projects worth $1.6 billion, focusing on improving mobility, safety, the environment, and the economy in the region.
