It’s always sunny in…Phoenix!
Just how does a transit system keep up in the fastest-growing city in the U.S.?
This month on Transit Unplugged TV we visit the Phoenix metro area including Tempe and Mesa. Phoenix is growing at an astounding rate. We know it’s hard enough for transit agencies to keep up with demand in cities where there is just normal growth, but this kind of growth presents special challenges.
So it’s a good thing Valley Metro has everything planned out under the leadership of CEO Jessica Mefford-Miller. We’ve heard from Jessica on the podcast before, but now you get to experience everything about Valley Metro from streetcars to light rail first hand.
We also get a tour of Culdesac, the first planned car-free community in the U.S. Hearing about it on the episode with Jessica is one thing, but seeing it is something else. Culdesac really is a neighborhood that feels modern and cozy at the same time.
As always, you get a tour of the city with food, art, culture, and nature. Make sure you check out this visually spectacular episode of Transit Unplugged TV on YouTube.
We’ve featured many of the interviews you see on Transit Unplugged TV on the podcast too, so we made a special playlist for you with all the interviews, in their entirety, in one place. Have a listen and learn more about this amazing city and what makes its transit great.
Phoenix Podcast Episodes Playlist
How SEPTA is making a difference in people’s lives with SCOPE
We all know there is a societal crisis in our cities. The numbers of unhoused people and people struggling with mental health and addiction issues is growing. Unfortunately, transit agencies are often at the front lines of this crisis without the tools to actually solve the problems. People are just looking for a warm and dry place to rest. People are just trying to survive. So what do agencies do to help those who need it, but also keep the system clean and safe for everyone?
Instead of focusing purely on enforcement, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority (SEPTA) implemented the SCOPE program. SCOPE stands for Safety, Cleaning, Ownership, Partnership, and Engagement and puts the focus on connecting people with resources to help them and treat everyone with the empathy, respect, and dignity they deserve.
Take a moment and listen to this powerful and heartwarming episode of Transit Unplugged with guests Ken Divers and Flora Castillo.
