Friends of Transit, a nonprofit group that educates greater Phoenix on the advantages of mass transit, hosted an event Monday to convey its gratitude to departing Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon for his diligence to Valley transit.
Gordon oversaw the 2008 opening of the Valley Metro light rail system that extends from central Phoenix to west Mesa.
Tom Simplot, City of Phoenix councilman and chairman of the Metro Board of Directors, explained that people are either a builder or a “remodeler.”
“Mayor Gordon is that rare breed that is both,” Simplot said. “He sees the changes that need to be done and he makes it happen.”
Friends of Transit Chairwoman Yvonne Hunter praised Gordon’s involvement since before the light rail opened.
“He has challenged Friends of Transit to do more, dream big and be courageous,” Hunter said. “We truly are a friend of transit along with the mayor.”
The city’s light-rail system was launched in December 2008. Today, 45,000 people ride the light rail everyday.
Eight years ago, the original plan for the light rail was to have the track on gravel, but Gordon insisted the design be changed to build the light rail the way it should be built in order to ensure it lasts for many generations.
Urban planning sophomore Hannah Ritchie said Gordon brought “connection with the region in terms of getting to the light rail, being on time and being on budget and having Phoenix see its goal of getting the light rail.”
Simplot and Hunter presented Gordon with a lifetime light rail pass to use throughout the rest of his life during Monday’s event.
“The reason why we are here and able to celebrate this day is because our mayor made sure every aspect of the light rail was compatible with all of the respective community and there is a way for all of the passengers to get to the light rail,” Simplot said.
The two continued to communicate their appreciation for the mayor, and Hunter hinted at a “really big surprise — a transit car-size surprise” to come.
As Simplot was speaking, a light-rail transit car pulled up behind him at the First Avenue and Van Buren Street light rail platform displaying a large advertisement on the car for Gordon.
The car bore the phrase, “Mayor Gordon, thank you for being a friend of transit,” written above a large picture of the mayor. Alongside it, a quote from the Gordon read: “The question isn’t should we have built light rail? Today the question is how soon can we build more?”
The mayor and Friends of Transit employees proceeded to board the light rail and the transit car pulled away.
“He’s been instrumental in increasing transit to more of the Valley and bringing light rail on board,” said Hillary Foose, spokeswoman for Valley Metro. “He really does see the connection between quality transit and keeping our region competitive.”
Contact the reporter at lily.zimmel@asu.edu
