5th/6th Street Livability & Circulation Study
Transit Features and Services
Transit was discussed in the context of how it would support existing land uses and the “Education Corridor.” Dedicated transit facilities did not arouse CCAG enthusiasm at first, but as time went on, a strong interest in light rail developed. Two previous studies set the groundwork for light rail through the corridor. The Broadway Corridor Study (May 1990) looked at the economic feasibility of light rail along Broadway Boulevard. The Transit Linkage Study (August 1994) looked at the feasibility of using refurbished historic trolley vehicles along 6th Street in lanes shared by motor vehicles, on a route between the downtown and the University of Arizona. The CCAG endorsed a statement proposed by the Project Team that none of the alternatives developed for 5th/6th Street precluded the development of light rail for the corridor. While light rail was discussed, the Project Team recommended that decisions on future light rail location be made in a regional context.
There was strong desire that the preferred alternative for 5th/6th Street be something different, reflecting the unique character of the corridor. There was also strong interest in an alternative that takes the emphasis off the private automobile. These sentiments are reflected in the CCAG Guiding Statement with the inclusion of transit lanes.
