Arizonans may have to get used to the idea of paying tolls if they want new and expanded roads, the nation’s new top transportation official said Monday.

Arizonans may have to get used to the idea of paying tolls if they want new and expanded roads, the nation’s new top transportation official said Monday.

Residents have voiced their concerns and hopes about getting around the city, and Scottsdale transportation officials are not far away from presenting possible solutions.

Residents have voiced their concerns and hopes about getting around the city, and Scottsdale transportation officials are not far away from presenting possible solutions.

The future of transportation in Scottsdale, including light rail, will be considered closely Tuesday during a study session of the City Council. City staff are slated to provide the council with an update on the status of the city’s Transportation Master Plan.

The future of transportation in Scottsdale, including light rail, will be considered closely Tuesday during a study session of the City Council. City staff are slated to provide the council with an update on the status of the city’s Transportation Master Plan.

Faced with a $6.6 billion highway funding deficit and a $1.7 billion bus and light-rail money shortfall, the Maricopa Association of Governments, the Arizona Department of Transportation and Valley Metro met Tuesday night to get the public’s feedback on proposed changes to a 20-year Maricopa County regional transportation plan to close the gap.

Do what’s already on the books. Do a little more than planned. Or go for a massive and costly expansion of Scottsdale’s transportation system over the next two decades.

Do what’s already on the books. Do a little more than planned. Or go for a massive and costly expansion of Scottsdale’s transportation system over the next two decades.

The idea was as preposterous as it was pricey. Construct a special vehicle to carry a racing car to and from events throughout Europe and make it the fastest and most recognizable transporter the world had ever seen. The idea was as preposterous as it was pricey.

One of the most humbling aspects about my role as a Chandler City Council member and pastor is the opportunity I have to meet and listen to people of very diverse backgrounds. Story after story, I realize how blessed we are as a community for being able to maintain quality services even during times of economic uncertainty. For certain groups or areas of the city, however, accessing these services can be a challenge. Thankfully, there are programs to assist these residents with their transportation needs.

For the past 10 years, Scottsdale resident Lisa Haskell’s mother has only been able to get around in a wheelchair. When she needs to leave her residence, she must rely on public transportation.

For the past 10 years, Scottsdale resident Lisa Haskell’s mother has only been able to get around in a wheelchair. When she needs to leave her residence, she must rely on public transportation.

The future of toll roads in America appears to be on the upswing again with emergence of new collection technologies that can reduce the use of pay booths that slow down traffic and force motorists to search the seats for exact change.

Commuters should think of President Barack Obama’s appearance at Arizona State University as if Sun Devil Stadium were hosting a big football game — and then some.

Scottsdale is offering the public two chances to learn and comment about proposed changes to the city’s transportation network.

Chandler transportation officials Thursday will get a first look at plans detailing millions of dollars in roadway projects that planners believe are vital over the next two decades.

Scottsdale residents will be able to comment on a number of the city’s transportation plan findings, but the long-awaited report on light rail is still about a month away.

Decision-makers have known for months the bad economy has gutted Proposition 400, the 20-year half-cent transportation sales tax passed by Maricopa County voters in 2004. And now the bill has come due.

Gov. Janet Napolitano wants to battle the “time tax” of congestion by having voters approve a statewide plan for highways, transit and a Phoenix-to-Tucson rail line.

The best way to unclog the nation’s highways and repair crumbling bridges is to introduce a payment system similar to movie-ticket pricing and cell-phone rates, the nation’s top transportation official said.

Elsewhere on this Web site is my story about how the tanking economy is kicking the legs out from underneath the financing of transportation/transit improvements. But could this revenue shortfall have been prevented, or at least the damage limited?