Three paths emerged for the Valley’s $15.8 billion transportation plan at the Legislature, where lawmakers on Wednesday unveiled a trio of competing bills on how to deal with the lightning rod issue of light rail.

Moments after the ceremonial opening of the Tempe Transportation Center on Saturday, which was 90 minutes after a similar ribbon cutting in Phoenix celebrating the start of the Valley's light-rail service, the first train pulled out of the station headed west.

Light-rail officials said they’re exploring a $1.7 billion plan to speed construction because the trains have proven so popular in other states.

The rail transit issue in the Valley has been almost hopelessly confused by definitions. It’s time to begin straightening out the confusion, and the Tribune’s Garin Groff took a big step in that direction on Saturday with his story on growing support among Valley leaders for commuter rail.

The Maricopa Association of Governments has an opportunity today to correct several serious flaws in its 20-year transportation plan for the Valley. With so much at stake — $17.1 billion and our ability to get around — it is imperative that MAG's Transportation Policy Committee eliminate the defects when it meets today to approve the 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.

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.

Businesses along Tempe’s light-rail line are urging the city to ditch plans for gravel along the track in favor of concrete — an upgrade that would cost millions.

Light-rail officials are exploring new routes for the Metro system that could take it to Scottsdale, south Phoenix and the West Valley stadiums.

Light-rail officials are exploring new routes for the Metro system that could take it to Scottsdale, south Phoenix and the West Valley stadiums.

More arguments are taking shape over the possibility of light rail in Scottsdale.

More arguments are taking shape over the possibility of light rail in Scottsdale.

For Karen Nelson, light rail means finally getting from Mesa to downtown Phoenix for a Moody Blues concert.

The Maricopa Association of Governments is planning for a long-anticipated population explosion with new freeways and highways in metropolitan Phoenix that would serve an area larger than Delaware and Rhode Island combined.

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.

Efforts are unraveling to win quick legislative support for extending Maricopa County’s half-cent sales tax to fund transportation projects.

Suzy Phoenix never used public transportation before Monday, the first day that Metro, the Valley's new light-rail system, hit the tracks to move commuters to and from work.

The neighborhood street at Sycamore and Pepper Place becomes a basketball court many afternoons: An alarming use, some say, of a road that will crowd with traffic when the largest park-and-ride lot along the Valley's light-rail line opens in late December.

To learn what the public truly believes is not why elections are called; rather, those calling for one do so only because they feel they’ll win.

DES MOINES, IOWA - With new ethanol and biodiesel plants going online monthly and increasing demand for the homegrown fuel additives, transportation companies are scurrying to provide the needed trains, trucks and storage tanks to keep up with the rapidly growing industry.

“I’ve been there, I know the way.” — R.E.M.

As snow fell and rush-hour gridlock worsened in metropolitan Minneapolis-St. Paul, bus driver James Geiger couldn't see the road markings beneath the snow and slush -- but he kept rolling right down the shoulder.

If commuter rail ever comes to the East Valley, Queen Creek wants it to make a stop downtown.

If commuter rail ever comes to the East Valley, Queen Creek wants it to make a stop downtown.