MEMORANDUM Early Phase Public Input Report The report summarizes public feedback received from the MOMENTUM website and social media in 2020 ...

MEMORANDUM
—
Early Phase Public Input Report
The report summarizes public feedback received from the MOMENTUM
website and social media in 2020.

 January 26, 2021

Table of Contents
1.0 Introduction...................................................................................................................................... 1
 1.1 Approach and Purpose .................................................................................................................. 1
 1.2 Overview ....................................................................................................................................... 2
 1.3 Consistency with Values Mapping.................................................................................................. 3
2.0 Participants ...................................................................................................................................... 6
 2.1 Website and Social Media ............................................................................................................. 6
 2.2 Targeted Outreach Strategy........................................................................................................... 6
3.0 Analysis ........................................................................................................................................... 9
 3.1 Methodology.................................................................................................................................. 9
 3.2 Goal Priorities and Responses ....................................................................................................... 9
 3.2.1 Safety................................................................................................................................... 10
 3.2.2 Mobility ................................................................................................................................. 11
 3.2.3 Prosperity ............................................................................................................................. 11
 3.2.4 Responsiveness ................................................................................................................... 12
 3.2.5 Livability ............................................................................................................................... 13
 3.2.6 Preservation ......................................................................................................................... 13
 3.2.7 Other Open-Ended Questions............................................................................................... 14
 3.2.8 Transportation Priorities........................................................................................................ 14
 3.2.9 World Class Transportation Systems .................................................................................... 15
 3.2.10 Share Your Experiences ..................................................................................................... 16
4.0 Conclusion ..................................................................................................................................... 18
5.0 Next Steps ...................................................................................................................................... 18

List of Figures
Figure 1-1: Values Mapping Findings ....................................................................................................... 3
Figure 2-1: Participants............................................................................................................................ 7
Figure 2-2: Top Performing Social Media Posts ....................................................................................... 8
Figure 3-1: Goal Priorities and Number of Responses ............................................................................ 10

Appendices
Appendix A: MOMENTUM Comments ..................................................................................... Appendix A
Appendix B: Social Media Comments ...................................................................................... Appendix B

Maricopa Association of Governments January 2021
MOMENTUM Public Input Report 2020 i

1.0 Introduction
MOMENTUM is the new, long-range transportation plan for the nation’s fastest growing metropolitan area—
the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) region. The plan development process started in late
2019, and the plan will be finalized in 2021. The plan will serve as a long-term blueprint for the regional
transportation system; it will include both short- and long-range strategies to improve the transportation
system across the Valley and ensure continued investments into the region’s transportation infrastructure.

Public participation is an integral part of the plan development and decision-making process. Early and
continuous public involvement ensures that decisions reflect public needs and interests, consider diverse
viewpoints and values, and are made in collaboration and consensus with all stakeholders. The
MOMENTUM public engagement and awareness initiative kicked off in 2020. The effort is a deliberate and
ongoing process consisting of engagement opportunities designed to inform, educate, and gain input from
stakeholders on the plan decisions that affect their lives.

1.1 Approach and Purpose
The public engagement process for MOMENTUM has been carried out entirely virtually due to the unique
challenges presented by the worldwide coronavirus pandemic. Initially, a robust public engagement effort
had been envisioned using a combination of online engagement and traditional in-person events. However,
engagement efforts pivoted to further utilize and expand virtual platforms, including a website designed and
developed for outreach and three social media accounts. This is the report of all public input received
through these platforms in 2020.

The objectives of this phase of public engagement were to solicit feedback on the six goals outlined below
and further understand residents’ vision and priorities for the future of the regional transportation system.
Participants were asked to rank the goals in order of importance and respond to an open-ended question
for each goal. They were also asked to provide their top two transportation priorities and top two ideas
about what constitutes a world-class transportation system. Finally, a ‘share your experiences’ prompt
invited participants to provide any additional input.

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1.2 Overview
Participants were asked to rank goals in terms of priority. The results of this exercise made clear there was
not one dominant goal priority in the region. The study team believes that this indicates validity of the
selected goals. The region is diverse and has a broad set of priorities and needs.

Overall, there were five key themes:

 1. The desire for expanded transportation options, particularly improved coverage and convenience
 of transit and active transportation modes.
 2. Recognition of future growth and the need for flexible strategic investments that support the
 economy and provide equitable and appropriate access based on growth.
 3. The importance of protecting, preserving and maintaining transportation investments for a safe,
 reliable and comfortable transportation experience.
 4. The high value of safety for all modes, especially for vulnerable users.
 5. An aspiration to invest in a transportation system that is sustainable, protects the environment and
 supports public health.

The public expressed a deep interest in expanding transportation options beyond driving a car. They want
to see improved access to high-quality transit, and the expansion of transit routes, especially rail. Fast,
frequent, convenient, reliable transit service was emphasized. In addition, participants want expanded
opportunities for bicycling and walking. The lack of options was acknowledged as a burden on those without
cars and reliance on driving was regarded as a barrier to desired flexibility in the transportation system.

Current and projected growth in the region was top of mind and there was foresight for how the
transportation system should accommodate and support growth. Participants said the region needs flexible
and strategic investments that support growth in a way that is sustainable; they do not want to see
transportation investments that induce further sprawl. Appropriate and equitable access was a key theme.

Participants indicated that maintenance of the transportation system is important. Most of the comments
and complaints about maintenance referred to roads. The poor condition of roads was associated with
safety concerns. The vast majority of participants felt that protecting and preserving our existing
investments should be a priority.

Safety across all modes was highly valued by participants emphasis was placed on the most vulnerable
road users. Most comments about safety were in relation to providing more infrastructure and amenities to
support bicyclists and pedestrians, in particular protected infrastructure that is separated from vehicular
traffic. Many drew the connections between safety and speed, and there was support for slowing speed on
arterials to keep everyone safer.

Participants expressed support for investing in more sustainable transportation options that protect public
health and the environment. They believed investments in expanding transit and active transportation
modes would best achieve this. Many discussed how the autocentric culture in this region perpetuates
negative impacts to the environment.

Participants widely overlapped in their description of a world class transportation system and their priorities.
The responses included in the ‘share your experience’ comment box widely supported the responses to
other questions. Respondents used personal experiences using the transportation network in the region to
demonstrate a specific need. Within all three of these questions, connectivity, convenience and options
were core themes, especially as they related to transit. These themes were also relevant, though to a lesser
degree, to the road network.

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Social media provided another opportunity and format for the public to respond and they were given the
opportunity to comment on posts across three platforms: Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. The social
media comments covered a wide range of views; some favored freeway expansion while others
emphasized advancing the transit system. There was a healthy debate among commenters about the
merits of light rail expansion versus expanding the regional bus system. Growth was recognized as a
prominent challenge facing the region. Though some commenters were not enthusiastic about encouraging
growth, the general consensus was that growth is inevitable and, therefore, an important consideration in
planning for the future.

1.3 Consistency with Values Mapping
In 2019, MAG facilitated a robust values mapping exercise, which was intended to understand public values
and transportation priorities in the region to help support and guide the development of the next regional
transportation plan, MOMENTUM. Participants were invited to answer a series of questions about what
they value about the regional transportation system. A public survey, a scientifically validated representative
survey, and focus groups were conducted. Over 9,000 residents participated in the public survey and 1,501
participated in the scientific survey.

Six key positive values emerged from the mapping effort and three key negative values emerged.
Participants positively valued making life easier, productivity, flexibility, saving time, safety, and being
environmentally responsible. The negative values included time, safety, and being environmentally
responsible. The results of the values mapping are shown in Figure 1-1.

Figure 1-1: Values Mapping Findings

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The values sentiments overlap with feedback received through the MOMENTUM engagement efforts.
Parallels between the values mapping and MOMENTUM engagement themes are discussed below:

 1. The desire for expanded transportation options, particularly improved coverage and
 convenience of transit and active transportation modes.

 Values mapping participants value the way in which the regional transportation system makes their
 lives easier. They said that having a variety of efficient options to get around made life feel easier,
 generated a sense of flexibility and freedom, and provided time savings. A lack of options was
 associated with wasting time, a negative value, and many of the responses discussed the
 shortcomings of the transit system. The MOMENTUM engagement responses were reflective of
 this, as respondents expressed a strong desire for more convenient and accessible transportation
 options, namely transit and active transportation. MOMENTUM participants described the lack of
 options as a hinderance to flexibility and freedom, and indicated a desire for better connectivity,
 coverage and efficiency in the transportation system to make it easier to get around.

 2. Recognition of future growth and the need for flexible strategic investments that support
 the economy and provide equitable and appropriate access based on growth.

 MOMENTUM participants recognized the way in which the region is growing and said they want to
 see well-planned, strategic investments that support the economy and accommodate growth.
 Better access to employment and activity centers was highly valued, especially from suburban
 areas. The emphasis was largely on a need for more commuter services, like commuter bus and
 commuter rail. Values mapping respondents said the transportation system helps them to improve
 their productivity, which reduces stress and adds to a feeling of accomplishment; they said more
 options were needed to accommodate and sustain the growth that is occurring across the valley.

 3. The importance of protecting, preserving and maintaining transportation investments for a
 safe, reliable and comfortable transportation experience.

 There was clear and overwhelming support for maintaining existing transportation investments in
 the MOMENTUM engagement responses. The majority of these responses identified road
 maintenance as the priority and some linked better road conditions to improved safety. There was
 also support for protecting and maintaining the region’s transit infrastructure. Values mapping
 participants said maintenance is needed to improve safety and avoid wasting time, two of the
 negative values. Responses from the values mapping were largely focused on the maintenance of
 roads. Overall, residents want a seamless and consistent transportation experience that is reliable.

 4. The high value of safety for all modes, especially for vulnerable users.

 Safety was highly valued by MOMENTUM participants, and the values mapping work identified
 safety as both a positive and negative value. Values mapping participants indicated that it was
 important for them to feel safe when utilizing the transportation system because it added to a sense
 of personal security and gave peace of mind. They reflected that congestion, construction, poor
 maintenance and the autocentric culture in the region contribute to a lack of safety. Most of the
 safety comments talked about the high number of automobile accidents in the region. The
 MOMENTUM participants want safety for all modes and emphasized that safety needs to be
 improved especially for vulnerable users. Bicycle and pedestrian safety emerged as a priority in
 those MOMENTUM responses that touched on safety.

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5. An aspiration to invest in a transportation system that is sustainable, protects the
 environment supports public health.

 The environmentally responsible value emerged both on the positive and negative sides of the
 values mapping effort. Participants expressed that ensuring an environmentally responsible
 transportation system is important in feeling hopeful for the future, reducing stress, and leading to
 peace of mind for future generations. Many expressed concern for the negative impacts of the
 autocentric transportation system and said the region should expand transit and active
 transportation. Similarly, MOMENTUM participants drew connections between mode choice,
 environmental impacts and public health. Residents expressed support for investing in more
 sustainable transportation options that protect public health and the environment.

The key takeaway from the values mapping effort was that there was not a dominant value in the region.
Similarly, there was not a dominant goal priority identified in the question that asked participants to rank the
goals and the responses to the MOMENTUM questions were reflective of this; the region is diverse and
has a broad set of needs and priorities.

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2.0 Participants

2.1 Website and Social Media
The Plan website at ourmomentumplan.com launched on August 13, 2020, and social media accounts
for the MOMENTUM Plan were launched shortly after. In 2020, the MOMENTUM social media accounts
received 111 comments on Facebook, 20 comments on Instagram and 2 comments on Twitter. Participation
information is outlined in Figure 2-1 and all stats are reflective of information that has been collected as of
December 31, 2020. All MOMENTUM comments received are provided in Appendix A and social media
comments are provided in Appendix B.

The engagement and awareness team developed a systematic strategy for creating and posting content.
In general, posts occur four times per week on all three platforms, and two of the four weekly posts are
paid. Posts are designed to provide education about the transportation system and inspire people to
participate in the development of the plan. Some examples of the top performing social media posts are
depicted in Figure 2-2.

2.2 Targeted Outreach Strategy
Visitors to the website were asked to provide their zip code and this data was used to generate a zip code
map. This was a deliberate strategy to help the team track participation and support the ongoing effort to
ensure a broad and diverse reach and garner representative feedback. The team reviewed the zip code
map in October 2020 and made adjustments to reach the areas of the region that were lacking in
participation. In collecting survey and website engagement data, the team identified geographic gaps and
determined that the process would benefit from targeted outreach. A gap engagement strategy has been
developed in response.

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Figure 2-1: Participants

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Figure 2-2: Top Performing Social Media Posts

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3.0 Analysis

3.1 Methodology
The project team established keywords for coding public comments. These fell into several broad
categories including transportation infrastructure, users or modes of transportation, location, common
transportation issues and concerns, and other planning topics that affect transportation planning. The team
created a word clouds from the responses to each question and removed filler words (e.g., the, and, but,
etc.). The word clouds were used to cross-reference the keywords and ensure they captured the most
commonly used words. A spreadsheet was created to map keywords for coding and identify related words
or phrases. All comments received were manually coded. The goal was to eliminate inference-based coding
as much as possible while organizing interchangeable words under a single code. Because multiple
individuals engaged in the coding effort, the spreadsheet also helped ensure consistency in coding.
Comments were coded with keywords based on the actual text of the comment, not by attempting to
interpret the respondents’ intent or any underlying meaning. All comments were read through multiple times
to ensure they were assigned keywords accurately and completely.

After comments were coded, the team went through the comments by question, sorting them by the most
frequently coded keywords. In this way, the team was able to identify patterns, themes, and relationships
between the goals and different elements of the transportation system and users. Further, sorting
responses by keyword and question allowed for a better understanding of how respondents characterize
the challenges and opportunities faced in meeting the regional goals as well as respondent priorities within
each goal. The final two questions and responses received for the ‘share your experiences’ prompt were
analyzed using the same methodology. The analysis is discussed in the following sections.

3.2 Goal Priorities and Responses
The goal ranking exercise made clear that no single goal is the dominant priority. The goals were evenly
ranked. The results are shown in Figure 3-1. Percentages reflect the number of respondents that ranked a
specific goal first in priority. The number of responses received for each goal question are also shown in
Figure 3-1 for comparison. The project team concluded that the goal ranking confirms the validity of the
selected goals; the region has a broad and diverse set of needs and priorities.

The following sections summarize and analyze the responses provided within each goal question below,
with related social media feedback layered in:

 • SAFETY - In what ways should the plan provide for the safety and security of pedestrians,
 bicyclists, riders and drivers?
 • MOBILITY - In what ways should the plan ensure ease of movement for people and goods
 throughout the region, providing equitable and appropriate access to essential services and
 destinations?
 • PROSPERITY - In what ways should the plan support economic competitiveness and growth
 through strategic transportation investments?
 • RESPONSIVENESS - In what ways should the plan expand travel choices that accommodate
 future growth and be flexible to adapt to changing needs and innovations?
 • LIVABILITY - In what ways should the plan invest in a transportation system that supports health
 and well-being and sustains the environment?
 • PRESERVATION - In what ways should we maintain our region’s transportation infrastructure to
 protect existing investments for the future?

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Figure 3-1: Goal Priorities and Number of Responses

3.2.1 SAFETY

Bicycles (45) and bike lanes (40) were the most referenced keywords in the safety question responses;
about half of participants discussed ideas related to bicycle safety. Participants advocated for the expansion
of bicycle infrastructure such as dedicated bike lanes. More specifically they believed protected (24)
infrastructure would enhance safety the most and many advocated for separated bicycle paths away from
traffic. The lack of connectivity in the bike network was referenced a number of times. Several participants
suggested more driver education and enforcement was needed. One participant called for bicycle
infrastructure, “not just paint”, and many of the comments were reflective of this sentiment.

Many participants also focused on pedestrian (30) safety. In the comments they called for expanded
pedestrian facilities and amenities, including sidewalks, crosswalks, signals, lighting and shade. Protected
and separated facilities were again emphasized. Participants were acutely aware of the relationship
between speed and pedestrian/bicyclist safety. There was support for prioritizing the safety of pedestrians
and bicyclists, with some advocating for lower automobile speeds on the roadways to keep more vulnerable
road users safer.

Safety concerns regarding arterials (29) and street design (28) were identified by respondents. Many
believed that safety could be enhanced through street design. Participants suggested adding more traffic
cameras, signals and lighting, and lowering and enforcing speed limits to enhance safety on arterials. They
expressed that arterials should be more accommodating to the safety of all modes and users. The
connection between lane width and safety was observed, however, some participants advocated for
ensuring adequate lanes for cars to improve both traffic flow and safety.

The safety comments advocated for multimodal (26) safety, or the safety of all modes. For many
participants, this meant enhancing the safety of pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit users. The majority of

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comments that discussed improving safety touched on how streets should be better designed for the safety
of all modes, and not just automobiles. Many of the recommended improvements, such as more lighting,
signals, and physical separation of facilities would enhance safety for all modes.

In addition to the comments on the website, there were 5 safety related comments on the MOMENTUM
social media accounts. These comments diverged from those on the website in that they generally focused
on safety as it relates to using transit and commenters emphasized not feeling safe while using transit.

3.2.2 MOBILITY

Participants overwhelmingly identified transit (21) as a key for enhancing mobility. Improved transit service
was continually referenced; respondents indicated a desire for fast, reliable, frequent, and affordable transit
services. Support for expanding transit, most notably rail, was reflected in the responses. Many respondents
said that access to affordable transit needs to improve, especially for populations that need it the most.
Overall, participants want more convenient access to transit and to be able to get around easier via transit.

A number of respondents said that mobility on roadways (13) could be improved. Congestion was a primary
concern in many of these responses. Multiple participants suggested that expanding roads and creating
alternate routes would help to alleviate congestion and increase the mobility of people and goods
throughout the region. One participant noted that Phoenix is becoming a manufacturing and distribution
hub and identified the need for ease of movement for trucks on the freeways.

Some participants expressed the importance of providing equitable (10) and appropriate access to the
transportation system to enhance mobility. They indicated that services ought to be provided to those that
need it the most, including transit dependent, senior, and disabled populations. The lack of transportation
options for people with disabilities was most frequently noted in these responses. One participant suggested
creating an access index to ensure neighborhoods have reasonable access to essential services and
destinations.

A desire for a more comprehensive multimodal (11) system and more options (8) was expressed by a
number of participants. One respondent said that it is already easy to get around by car, and the majority
requested the expansion of transit and bicycle facilities. The most common suggestion was to make it easier
and more convenient to get around by modes other than driving, namely walking, biking, and taking transit.

3.2.3 PROSPERITY

Transit (23) was the most referenced keyword in terms of economic prosperity. Responses indicated that
expanded transit services and appropriate access were key to supporting economic competitiveness. While
some respondents referred to transit generally, many identified rail as the preferred mode of transit. An
emphasis was placed on the need for more commuter services, such as commuter rail and express bus.
Many said that more frequent service and better transit connectivity was needed, especially to employment
centers. A number of participants indicated they would like to see more transit centers and transit oriented
development that supports businesses.

Participants drew connections between the transportation system and the economy (19), recognizing how
transportation investments can spur economic development and opportunities. They believed the economy
could be enhanced by designing for economic activity through more walkable environments, creating better
connectivity to businesses, improving access to affordable transportation for those who need it most, and
enhancing the mobility of goods throughout the region. Some participants observed that strategic
investments should be made in more dense areas of the region and one discussed how this would maximize
the return on transportation investments.

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Better regional connectivity (15) was seen as important for supporting the economy for about a quarter of
participants. They reflected that connectivity, both east to west, and suburbs to downtown, as well as better
access to businesses and commerce centers was needed. Several respondents stressed the importance
of activity centers (9) and suggested the region focus on strategic investments geared at connecting to
and developing these centers. These commenters recognized the benefits of increased density and transit
oriented development, and cautioned against investing in transportation that encourages sprawl.

Nearly a quarter of responses to this question said that a well built out system of roads (14), and in particular
freeways (10), were important to the region’s economic prosperity. Many of these respondents said that
the freeways should be expanded in anticipation of new growth and development, and be well maintained.
Participants indicated the desire for better connectivity to freeways, especially from more far-reaching
suburbs. Further, participants noted the harmful economic impacts of congestion and, thus, advocated for
reducing congestion and delay. This was especially relevant to freeways as several participants
acknowledged the role freeways have in moving goods throughout the region.

In response to this question, several people expressed a desire for greater connectivity to and from the
West Valley (9). They requested better freeway access and expanded transit options, especially light rail.

3.2.4 RESPONSIVENESS

Participants felt that transit (29) was important to the future responsiveness of the transportation system.
The comments largely emphasized the desire for high quality, high capacity transit services (commuter rail,
light rail, and bus rapid transit) that are fast, frequent, and convenient. There was support for expanding the
transit system to accommodate growth. Both intra- and inter-regional connectivity was discussed, mostly in
the context of rail; several participants suggested commuter rail and a handful of these want connectivity
to Tucson. Many of the comments indicated there is a need for better neighborhood-level connectivity to
high capacity transit corridors, especially multimodal connectivity.

Participants also believed that freeways (16) play an important role in accommodating growth and most
were in support of expanding freeways and improving freeway access. More connectivity to Loop 303 was
a popular suggestion. Alleviating freeway congestion was a primary concern for some respondents, though
comments were mixed on how this should be achieved. While some advocated for the expansion and
widening of the freeways, others said peak hour demands need to be more strategically managed through
the expansion of other modes. Several social media commenters (15) also supported freeway expansion;
of these most focused on widening freeways. Support for road expansion was not unanimous among social
media commenters with six commenters expressing a negative view. These commenters identified the
relationship between increasing road capacity and added congestion. Concern for the environment was
another focal point of those objecting to road expansion.

The role of technology (13) was acknowledged. Most participants who discussed technology paid heed to
the role of autonomous vehicles in the transportation future. They envisioned a more flexible and demand-
based transportation system and said the region should be assessing the feasibility of new technologies to
support this. Some suggested converting lanes to accommodate autonomous vehicles, while others said
we should be looking at technologies for better networking of the system or cleaner fuel technologies. A
system that is adaptive to emerging technologies was seen as important.

Respondents also discussed the importance of options (11) in a responsive transportation system. Nearly
half of the comments indicated a desire for more transit options and they said options should be expanded
in response to growth, particularly in the West Valley. One participant requested a coordinated regional
approach for disseminating information about transportation options.

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Flexibility (10) when planning for the future was discussed in some of the responses. Respondents said
that the transportation system should adapt and evolve with growth, demands, and changing demographics
and technologies. A handful of participants expressed concern over the cost of infrastructure that is hard to
change or will be outdated; for some this meant rail transit, and for others freeways. In general, bus was
viewed as a more responsive transit mode.

3.2.5 LIVABILITY

Responses related to the livability goal were largely focused on the environment (26). Participants drew
connections between mode choice, environmental impacts, and public health. They believe that investing
in more sustainable mode choices (transit and active transportation) would combat global warming, improve
air quality, and protect natural resources. Several participants said it was important to preserve green
spaces and plant native trees for shade, cooling, filtering storm water, and aesthetic beauty.

The environment was also a theme among eight social media commenters. Some commenters were
worried about how growth has or would impact the region and expressed a need to preserve land and
consider future natural resource demand like water. Second, some commenters linked the region’s history
of investing heavily in road infrastructure to poor air quality and climate change. These commenters either
explicitly or implicitly called for a different strategy for transportation investments in the future.

Transit (24) was cited in many responses as a more environmentally-friendly mode, and there was support
for investing in and expanding transit options to sustain the environment. Respondents indicated that more
dense and walkable developments are needed to support transit investments. They said that transit needs
to be more accessible and convenient to capture more choice riders.

Nearly a quarter of respondents said that technology (14) would be important to achieving the livability
goal. Many comments suggested that the development of alternative fuels and electric vehicles would be
paramount to making the transportation system more sustainable. Respondents indicated that
electrification of both cars and transit vehicles would be key, with an associated need for more electric
vehicle charging stations to support the shift to electrification.

Some respondents said that bicycle (12) and pedestrian (12) options should be expanded and
incentivized. There were a number comments calling for denser, more walkable environments to make
walking a more convenient option. Convenience was regarded as a key factor in influencing travel behavior.
As a result, participants felt that in order to encourage people to take transit, walk, or ride a bicycle, these
modes need to be made more convenient. Many participants drew a connection between active
transportation modes and improved health and well-being. Overall, they expressed that a more robust
multimodal (10) network would mitigate traffic and be better for the environment.

A fraction of participants discussed the autocentric (10) nature of the region and most of them said the
focus should be on reducing automobile dependence. Many of the comments advised against building
roads that encourage sprawl or cut into scenic desert areas. In essence, most participants want to see a
plan designed for people, not cars. A few social media commenters also spoke negatively of the sprawl and
a couple identified the role of freeway expansion in facilitating it. Social media commenters also expressed
a desire to preserve the natural beauty of the region.

3.2.6 PRESERVATION

Nearly half of all responses to this question mentioned maintenance (20). Respondents indicated
significant support for maintaining the existing infrastructure and protecting the investments that the region

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has already made. This was also true among six social media commenters. Many called for a set-aside of
funding specifically for maintenance, particularly roadway maintenance.

Roads (20) and freeways (12) were the most commonly referenced keywords for this question. Most of
the complaints were about poor road conditions, and potholes were used as evidence of deteriorating
roadway conditions. Likewise, most of the social media comments about maintenance focused on road
condition. There was a lot of support for maintaining the existing roads and some respondents made the
connection between road condition and safety. Several participants suggested that the existing roads
should be maintained before expanding roads or investing in other modes like transit. A handful of
respondents expressed an appreciation for the aesthetics of the freeway system.

Transit (13) was referenced about half as often as roads under the preservation goal. Respondents
indicated support for not only preserving, but also expanding the transit system and improving transit
service. They believed that the region should build around the existing investments. A number of them
made or alluded to the connection between road preservation and improving and expanding the transit
system. Specifically, they believed an expanded and improved transit system would require less road
expansion and help to preserve the existing roadway investments.

There were a number of comments addressing policy (9) and preservation. The most common policy
suggestion was to maintain the existing roadways and transportation infrastructure before expanding roads
or investing in other modes. A few participants believed that maintenance funding should be balanced
between all modes and if regional tax dollars will be used to fund road maintenance it should also be used
to fund transit. A couple said that the region needs to implement a solution to help pay for maintenance.
Overall, life-cycle maintenance for all modes was considered important.

Participants demonstrated an awareness of the cost (9) associated with preservation and maintenance.
The majority believe that maintenance solutions should be cost-effective. Some participants were
concerned about the growing maintenance costs associated with expansion of the transportation system
and said that the region should focus on maintaining the infrastructure that is already built before expanding.

3.2.7 OTHER OPEN-ENDED QUESTIONS

In addition to the goal questions, participants were asked two open-ended questions about transportation
priorities and world class transportation systems. They were also given the opportunity to provide more
general feedback through a ‘Share Your Experiences’ prompt. The comments received from the following
questions and prompt are summarized below:

 • TRANSPORTATION PRIORITIES - When thinking about the region’s future, what do you feel are
 the two highest transportation priorities?
 • WORLD CLASS TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS - What are the top two things that come to mind
 when you think of world-class transportation systems?
 • SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCES - Share your experiences, ideas and priorities with us.

3.2.8 TRANSPORTATION PRIORITIES

Transit (32) emerged as a top priority; respondents expressed a strong desire for more transit in the region.
Rail was the most commonly mentioned transit mode. Expanding the transit system and providing better
connectivity throughout the region was an explicit priority. Participants said transit should connect cities
across the region, from the suburbs to each other or Phoenix, or to areas where growth is anticipated.
Some respondents desired rail connections to other regions in Arizona. Service quality was another focal
point. Sentiments included a desire for evening service, faster service, and improved service reliability.

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Many respondents are looking for transit designed with commuters in mind. A few comments said the
regional transit system should provide access to jobs and offer alternatives to commuting by car, suggesting
that transit designed to serve the needs of commuters may be of particular importance.

The road (28) network was also a priority. Freeway comments were more frequent than arterial, but
priorities widely overlapped between the two. Many respondents were in favor of expanding the road
network, either with brand new facilities, or by extending or adding capacity to existing facilities. Some were
opposed to freeway expansion. A handful of comments indicated road maintenance is a priority and there
was no overlap between those who wanted maintenance and those favoring expansion. There was overall
less support for road expansion (19 percent) than transit expansion (32 percent). Some respondents said
roadway expansion is necessary to accommodate growth and reduce or avoid congestion, some believe
expansion is needed to enhance regional connectivity, and some discussed the potential of roadway
expansion to facilitate development.

While not as frequently cited as other modal facilities, bicycle and pedestrian (8) infrastructure was
discussed. Respondents expressed a desire for more protected bike lanes and high-quality bike
infrastructure. Nearly all of the comments prioritizing bike and pedestrian infrastructure also identified transit
as a focal point for the region moving forward. This again highlights the desire for more viable alternatives
to driving and may also reflect the relationship between transit and bike/pedestrian facilities as these
facilities are often used by transit riders for first and last mile connections.

Some themes emerged across modes. Connectivity (18) was a recurring priority both as it relates to transit
and roadways but also came up independent of modes. Participants want a complete transportation
network that facilitates efficient travel throughout the region. The need for transportation options (11) was
another priority. Overall, respondents wanted more transit options and alternatives to travel by car. Several
commenters expressed the importance of providing options for people who don’t have cars and building a
system that reduces reliance on driving. However, some respondents merely wanted more choices and
didn’t express a hierarchy when it came to mode.

Concern about the environment (12) was a theme. Of these, half cited concerns about the climate or heat
in the region, and nearly half discussed air quality or pollution as a key concern. Most did not offer specific
solutions but felt these issues were important considerations in planning for the future. A few commenters
linked environmental concerns with the need to reduce reliance on SOVs and enhance other transportation
options in the region.

3.2.9 WORLD CLASS TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS

Respondents widely felt that transit is a key component of a world-class transportation system; nearly half
of the comments included some mention of transit (31). In their view, a world class system has a
comprehensive transit network that connects the entire region and facilitates access to important
destinations. Its service is frequent and fast, reliable, and available throughout the day. Respondents also
mentioned easy to use and convenient as two other predominant characteristics. While many respondents
did not specify the type of transit, when they did, it was almost always rail.

Roads (10) came up less frequently. A core theme among these comments was maintenance. A world-
class system was characterized as consisting of clean, well-maintained roads, with respondents referencing
both arterial and highway facilities. Additionally, respondents expressed a connection between a quality
transportation system and the efficiency of the road network. Specifically, the street design and traffic signal
system should make travel throughout the grid network and access to freeways more efficient. Finally, some
comments expressed that high-quality streets are designed not just for cars but for pedestrians, transit, and

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cyclists as well. Respondents made clear that world-class streets are safe and welcoming for those traveling
outside a car.

Convenience (25) emerged as an important theme. Of the comments relating to convenience, 11 either
explicitly or implicitly discussed convenience in relationship to transit, whereas cars were mentioned only a
handful of times. When related to roads, convenience was largely associated with efficiency. The other
references to cars came from commenters who used reliance on cars as a benchmark for the convenience
of a transit system. These comments noted that world class transit systems facilitate less reliance on cars
by making transit travel more competitive. People described world-class transit as having frequent, reliable,
and fast service, and sufficient coverage so locations across the area can be easily reached throughout the
day. Other comments mentioned some of these same elements: simple to use or navigate; helps people
easily reach their destinations across the region; efficient; and convenient, without regard to mode.

Transportation options (13) was another common attribute of world class transportation systems. About a
third of these comments didn’t specify what type of options quality transportation systems provide, simply
that options are available. In general, respondents characterized world-class transportation systems as
providing the choice to use a variety of modes of transportation. In particular, they conveyed that within a
world-class system, people have viable alternatives to driving. Several respondents described high-quality
transportation systems as multimodal, thereby implicitly understanding that world-class transportation
systems consist of modal options. The idea that a world-class transportation system allows people choices
in how to travel was a consistent thread throughout the answers this question.

Safety (10) arose as an important overarching feature of world-class transportation systems. To a lesser
degree, respondents also expressed that world-class transportation systems support sustainability and
accessibility.

3.2.10 SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCES

For the prompt “share your experiences, ideas and priorities with us” the responses overwhelmingly
confirmed the already emergent themes. Support for transit was cited in 59 percent of comments. A desire
for improved transit coverage to more easily travel throughout the region surfaced. There was an emphasis
on providing more transit in the West Valley. Additionally, respondents underscored the need for more
transportation options and identified expanded transit essential to meeting that need. Quality transit service
was a priority; a desire was expressed for more frequent, faster, and more reliable service, and a stronger
regional network where schedules and stops are coordinated for easy transfers and better connectivity.
Many comments demonstrated the difficulties of using transit due to limited frequency, hours of operation,
uncoordinated transit connections, or unreliable service. In sum, respondents felt the transit system needs
to be easier to use, more reliable, and more convenient. Several participants drew a connection between
transit and congestion, recognizing transit could offer an alternative to sitting in traffic and help reduce
congestion.

Rail facilities were the most commonly requested transit option. Respondents largely want to see an
expanded rail network throughout or beyond the region. Participants said strategically locating light rail
investments would provide an alternative to commuting by car and reduce congestion. Commuter rail was
a priority and many believe that the region is well positioned to implement commuter rail. Some responses
wanted to see improved local bus service and some indicated a desire for better connectivity to the broader
regional transit system. The latter comments typically referenced the West Valley. Some respondents
articulated a specific need or experience they have had with the bus system. While these experiences and
needs varied greatly, a desire for increased frequency was a common thread.

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Transit was a frequently mentioned in the social media comments. Several commenters articulated support
for expanded rail, either light rail or commuter rail. Others said bus was a more viable option for the region
due to cost effectiveness. Advocates for rail countered that rail service is more efficient due to signal
prioritization. Some commenters were opposed to transit expansion altogether due to cost and the
perception of a lack of safety. However, these commenters acknowledged that if the transit system was
safe, convenient, cost effective and had the regional coverage needed for commuter use it may be a worthy
investment. It is important to note that multiple comments in opposition to light rail were authored by the
same individual. Overall, social media commenters want the convenience and efficiency they associate
with rail with the cost effectiveness they associate with bus, as well as better connectivity in general.

Roads came up in 45 percent of the comments and over one-third of these expressed a desire for better
connections between the arterial network and Loop 303. Respondents said improved access to the freeway
would reduce congestion on the grid network, help accommodate growth in the area, improve livability, and
support further development. The prevalence of this trend may be related to the large proportion of feedback
received from the West Valley zip codes. It is possible this is a high priority among West Valley residents
but is not regarded as a significant need for the rest of the region. Beyond this, respondents were split in
their viewpoints regarding freeways. Roughly the same number of respondents wanted to see freeway
expansion as those who felt the freeway system was strong already and the region should turn the focus
to transit investments instead. Among those who prioritized freeway expansion, half preferred adding
capacity to existing facilities and half saw a need for new freeways. In total, these comments represent a
small minority of the total comments.

Social media comments reflected this same range of views on road expansion. Some commenters made
no mention of their preference for future investments but did highlight the benefits of the investments made
in the freeway and arterial system over the past few decades. These commenters spoke to the improved
connectivity, freeway access and economic growth facilitated by the region’s history of roadway
investments.

Regarding arterials, as discussed above, many respondents wanted to see the more connections to Loop
303. Aside from this, there were a few additional comments proposing that specific arterials be extended
to connect to other major roads. Several comments focused on making streets and intersections safer,
especially for cyclists and pedestrians by reducing the number of vehicle lanes or narrowing the lanes to
slow traffic. Moreover, these respondents wanted bike lanes added to these facilities. Respondents also
wanted to see traffic lights installed at dangerous intersections and more enforcement of traffic laws at
intersections.

21 percent of comments spoke to the bicycle environment and 13 percent included references to the
pedestrian environment. Of these comments the overwhelming majority favored more and better quality
active transportation infrastructure. A need for more options, improved safety, and enhancing connectivity
was expressed. For some commenters, the fact that existing bike and pedestrian facilities are not safe was
a barrier to using active transportation. Bicycle lanes, especially protected bike lanes, were a priority.

Social media commenters seemed especially concerned about growth and the transportation system’s
ability to accommodate future growth. Some commenters suggested discouraging growth in the region.
Some commenters pointed to the investments in the road network, especially freeways, as accelerating
unwanted growth. Other commenters acknowledged the realities of growth in the future and emphasized
the need to prepare for it. Among these commenters, no consensus on a strategy was reached. Some felt
freeway expansion was the path forward while others advocated for focusing investments on transit.

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4.0 Conclusion
This report is a summary of all public feedback received through the MOMENTUM website and social media
accounts in 2020. The feedback is meant to inform the development of MOMENTUM as the Plan cannot
be implemented without broad-based, region-wide support.

The questions for the first phase of public engagement were deliberately designed to obtain feedback on
the Plan goals that were finalized by the Regional Council in the summer of 2020. The open-ended nature
of the questions allowed people to express their thoughts freely and provide valuable detail and context.
Overall, the comments received indicated support for the goals and were consistent with the Values
Mapping effort that MAG conducted in 2019, prior to starting the Plan process. There were five key themes
that surfaced and may warrant further dialogue with the community:

 1. The desire for expanded transportation options, particularly improved coverage and convenience
 of transit and active transportation modes.
 2. Recognition of future growth and the need for flexible strategic investments that support the
 economy and provide equitable and appropriate access based on growth.
 3. The importance of protecting, preserving and maintaining transportation investments for a safe,
 reliable and comfortable transportation experience.
 4. The high value of safety for all modes, especially for vulnerable users.
 5. An aspiration to invest in a transportation system that is sustainable, protects the environment
 supports public health.

5.0 Next Steps
In 2021, the engagement questions will shift to a focus on tradeoffs. It is time to ask the tough questions
about regional priorities in a fiscally constrained setting. In January, the MOMENTUM website was updated
with new questions. With continued consideration of public health risks caused by the possible spread of
the COVID-19 virus at public gatherings, it is currently envisioned that engagement activities will continue
to be online and virtual. Developing engaging and creative activities and engagement opportunities to
receive feedback on draft scenarios in spring 2021 is of current focus and may include virtual town halls,
issue forums for topics that are key to Plan development and need further community dialogue, online
presentations. The public will continue participation at their convenience on the website. Paid advertising,
social media, and potentially signage at areas where people visit but don’t gather (e.g., trailheads, transit
stops, etc.), will help advertise the need for and opportunities for input.

Robust social media dialogue will continue, reviewing and tweaking the strategy in an ongoing basis for
targeting social media posts and emphasized content. Visitors to the website will continue to be asked to
provide their zip code to help track participation and support the ongoing effort to ensure a broad and
diverse reach and comprehensive feedback. Also, targeted efforts to reach the Spanish-speaking
population will be implemented. It is anticipated that the final draft Plan and associated recommendations
will be available for public review and comment in the summer or fall of 2021.

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