RTA Next: A 20-Year Transportation Decision Now Before Voters

Ballot includes two related propositions
If you are a registered voter, you will receive a ballot by mail that includes two related propositions. Both measures concern something called RTA Next. One would authorize continuing the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) program that has funded road and transportation projects across Pima County for the past 20 years. The second would continue the one-half-cent sales tax that funds those projects. Both propositions must pass for RTA Next to take effect. If approved, the new plan would begin on July 1. If either fails, the current RTA program will expire, and any future proposal would likely return to voters at a later date in revised form.

RTANext will build road and transportation projects throughout the county
The Regional Transportation Authority funds a range of transportation projects intended to address needs that extend beyond individual jurisdictions. Under the proposed RTA Next plan, funding would support roadway and multimodal corridor improvements, arterial and collector road rehabilitation,

intersection and school safety projects, bicycle and pedestrian facilities, wildlife crossings, environmental mitigation projects, and transit services. Transit funding includes bus service, dial-a-ride and paratransit programs, express routes, and other regional transit enhancements. The plan also includes funding for debt service and administration. All projects are financed through a voter-approved one-half-cent sales tax collected countywide. If renewed, the tax is projected to fund approximately $2.67 billion in transportation improvements over the next 20 years.

Oro Valley’s participated in the 2005 RTA program
Within this structure, the Town of Oro Valley participates as one of the jurisdictions eligible to receive RTA funding for projects that meet regional criteria. Under the original RTA program, projects in Oro Valley included the widening of La Cholla Boulevard and major improvements along La Cañada Drive, both important regional corridors. In addition to roadway improvements, RTA funding supports regional transit services operating in Oro Valley, including dial-a-ride and other transit connections that supplement the Town’s locally funded transit system. The Town remains responsible for its own local transit services, neighborhood streets, and routine maintenance.

Proposed projects will affect Oro Valley
RTA Next identifies specific transportation projects to be funded over the next 20 years. Projects affecting Oro Valley include the proposed connection of Shannon Road to Tangerine Road. Other proposed regional projects that would affect Oro Valley residents include widening First Avenue between Ina and Orange Grove, constructing a new interchange at Tangerine Road and Interstate 10, and widening Oracle Road between Oracle and La Cholla. Final scheduling and delivery of these projects would occur over the life of the plan.

Negative impact on Oro Valley and regional transit services if RTANext fails
Probably of greater immediate importance is the funding of certain transit services operating in Oro Valley. Currently, the Regional Transportation Authority funds most of the cost of Sun Shuttle dial-a-ride and other regional transit services serving the Town. If RTA Next is not approved, that funding authority will expire after June 30, and RTA-funded transit services would be required to discontinue. It is not known what it would cost for the Town of Oro Valley to replace those services, or whether it could do so quickly, as additional funding, vehicles, drivers, and state-level approvals would be required. No formal cost estimate has been released.

Expecting low voter turnout...so your vote will count
Turnout for the March 10 election is expected to be relatively low, with estimates suggesting that approximately 20–25% of eligible voters may cast a ballot. At that level, the outcome of the RTA Next propositions will be determined by a relatively small share of the electorate. Ballots must be received by 7:00 p.m. on March 10.

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