We must build broad-based community support for light rail as a proven alternative to continued total dependence on the automobile. At the same time, we must encourage changes to the existing governmental structure necessary to build light rail where needed, and support efforts to obtain the dedicated local, state and federal funding necessary to make this all happen, including a funding source fully dedicated to public transit.

Phoenix has discovered over the past decades that building more freeways doesn’t solve any problems; it only creates the need to build more freeways. Last year, they found a way to break the cycle: 65% of voters approved a sales tax increase exclusively dedicated to fund transit improvements, with a flagship light rail line leading the way. A broad-based coalition of business, government, and neighborhood leaders from all points on the political spectrum supported the plan, which is now under way.

Here in Tucson, we have the opportunity to learn from Phoenix’s past transportation mistakes and present transportation successes. We can skip the distastrous and divisive freeway-building stage and proceed directly to a modern, efficient, and effective alternative which unites the community: a light rail and comprehensive transit system which serves all of us. As a progressive city, we deserve nothing less.

Here's what you can do:

Support Propositions 200 and 201, created by TST's political committee
Citizens For A Sensible Solution, TST's political committee, spent many months with transportation experts and public outreach to develop our own alternative initiative which can help ease Tucson's transportation problems and make our city more livable. The plan is now on the November 4 city ballot as Propositions 200 and 201. Read more about CFASTS' real citizens' plan here.

Briefly, this plan expands SunTran and VanTran by 38%, spends 20% on maintaining our neighborhood streets, builds and operates a 13-mile Light Rail system on Broadway and South Sixth Avenue, builds and operates a 47-mile Bus Rapid Transit system throughout all parts of the city, spends 10% on sidewalks and bikeways, spends $1 million a year to improve traffic enforcement to make our street safer for everyone, and extends Old Pueblo Trolley from UofA through Downtown to Rio Nuevo with daily service every 15 minutes.

• Email these regional government leaders and tell them that you support and will fight for a comprehensive regional transit system featuring light rail, and you will not support any freeway construction. If you want to email them all in one message, CLICK HERE.

• Pima County Supervisors:
  • Supervisor Ann Day
  • Supervisor Dan Eckstrom, (has no email address) 740-8126
  • Supervisor Sharon Bronson
  • Supervisor Ray Carroll
  • Supervisor Richard Elias, (has no email address) 740-8126
• The Pima Association of Governments (PAG):

• Point your Web browser to the Governor's Transportation Vision 21 Website and submit your comments in favor of Light Rail, Intercity Rail, and high-quality public transit.

• Join our List of Supporters by emailing your name, address, and statement of support to us at info@TucsonLightRail.org

• Become a TST Volunteer! We are now gathering people who want to host coffees, become precinct captains to talk to their neighbors about Light Rail, and do many other things to Spread the Word! To join up, email our Volunteer Coordinator, Camille Kershner, at camillekershner@hotmail.com