Council approves airport electric‑bus procurement and a Mayo‑ASU shuttle infrastructure project
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Summary
Council approved airport procurement of electric buses and advanced a high‑cost Mayo‑ASU shuttle infrastructure project pursued as a public‑private partnership and federal grant candidate; speakers highlighted quieter, lower‑emission buses and urged better citywide bus coverage.
The Phoenix City Council on Feb. 18 approved procurement for electric buses for airport operations and voted to pursue a Mayo‑ASU shuttle infrastructure project that would combine public funds and private contributions, including potential USDOT grant support.
Council discussions noted the electric buses are quieter and reduce tailpipe emissions for airport riders; a speaker who has driven airport buses said the quieter vehicles improve rider experience. Public commenters urged the city to prioritize expanding bus service citywide rather than concentrating investments on rail or isolated projects. "A transit desert is when you don't have a bus on any major arterial," public commenter Blue Crowley said, calling for more buses and bus stops in certain districts.
The Mayo‑ASU project was described as a large, multi‑partner investment expected to leverage Mayo Clinic and ASU contributions and seek USDOT BUILD grant funding. Council approved the procurement and moved the infrastructure project forward with motions that passed unanimously.
What happens next: The airport will proceed to contract for electric buses; staff will pursue federal grant opportunities and continue project planning with partner institutions. Public feedback about equitable transit distribution was recorded during citizen comment.
— Reporting from Phoenix City Council proceedings.
