TL/DR –
Arizona Senator Jake Hoffman is threatening to dismantle the state’s Department of Transportation unless plans for a high-speed rail line between Phoenix and Tucson are permanently abandoned. Hoffman believes people prefer automobiles and argues against the implementation of public transit systems, and his stance extends to initiatives aimed at reducing carbon and greenhouse gas emissions. The senator’s proposed bill, if passed, would make the department’s continued existence conditional on it never building, maintaining, or operating any commuter rail project.
Arizona Senator’s Controversial Stand Against Trains
Arizona Senator Jake Hoffman publicly announced his aversion to trains, willing to go as far as dismantling the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), which is responsible for road construction, bridge maintenance, and highway patrol.
Hoffman has pledged to dissolve ADOT unless Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs eliminates any plans to establish a high-speed commuter rail line between Phoenix and Tucson. He argues that the public does not support such a project.
Hoffman’s Reputation as a Public Transit Opponent
Despite no concrete polling data to support Hoffman’s stance, he presents himself as representing what Arizonians want. This comes in the backdrop of a fragmented legislature, where Republicans hold a slim majority.
Previously, a similar effort by Hoffman and his allies to halt public transit funding was overturned. They attempted to divide a ballot proposition to halt funding for public transit.
Interestingly, Phoenix remains the largest US city without passenger rail service since Amtrak rerouted its Sunset Limited service in 1996 after a costly train derailment.
Attempts to Reinstate Rail Service Between Phoenix and Tucson
Notably, plans to restore rail service between Phoenix and Tucson have been under consideration for years. Momentum was gained in December when the state received a $500,000 federal grant for initial planning.
The ambition is to provide thrice daily stops at various locations, including Marana, Coolidge, Queen Creek, Tempe, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, downtown Phoenix, Goodyear-Avondale, and Buckeye. However, the estimated cost in billions puts this more in the realm of dreams than reality at this stage.
Hoffman’s threat to dissolve ADOT stems from his distaste for even considering the potential of passenger rail service. According to Senate Bill 1184, ADOT’s continued operation hinges on a promise never to engage in any commuter rail project.
ADOT’s Potential Limitations
Further restrictions proposed by Hoffman and his Republican colleagues include preventing ADOT from proposing carbon reduction plans, building or maintaining public EV charging stations, or introducing programs aimed at reducing car usage.
Hoffman dismisses these initiatives as the “insane policy of the climate change leftists” and stresses the need for a transportation department focused on serving the majority of commuters who prefer automobiles, rather than pursuing a “social agenda”.
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