Install solar panels over Light Rail stops (and eventually LR track segments) to generate renewable electricity for the LR, provide shade and cooling systems at the LR stops, then sell excess electricity back to the Power Company. This will generate income to subsidize the operational costs of LR, finance any expansion across metro area, pay off any remaining costs AND, eventually, allow the city to provide FREE public transportation for everyone. If successful, this model could be applied to "commuter" transportation projects, eg connecting outlying suburbs to downtown/sports arenas and other areas of interest (ie, Queen Creek/AJ, Anthem, Verrado/Buckeye, Surprise/El Mirage, Flagstaff & Tucson to Phx.) Commuter trains would also be covered in solar panels to protect passengers/trains from sunlight/heat AND provide renewable electricity to run the trains. With the income from "sell back," debt would be paid off sooner and transportation would be FREE to the public.
This project could also establish our community as "solar industry" experts by creating a skilled workforce, eg, manufacturers, installers, suppliers, engineers and the like. With our strong advanced education infrastructure (community colleges, universities, trade schools), additional studies and trade skills could be easily and quickly developed to provide needed training for the stated projects within the educational system. Tech companies historically have a presence here as well. This idea also allows the collaborative partnerships with civic entities, education and businesses to remain "local" to keep as much financial exchange within our own community, thereby fostering fiscal solvency.
Our city has a lot of potential - we just need to have foresight and planning to capitalize on what already exists. Thank you for the opportunity to share my idea.