MAG News

What do you remember about 1994? That Forrest Gump and The Lion King were the top movies?  That the first Sony Play Station was released, selling 1 million units in 24 hours? Or perhaps the slow-speed OJ Simpson chase?

On a much more localized scale, it also was the year that the MAG Transportation Review Committee (TRC) was formed.

Following two losses at the polls for increased transportation funding, the MAG Management Committee decided to form a technical committee made up of high-level transportation managers who could provide input on transportation issues. They specifically wanted the committee to focus on the development of the Transportation Improvement Program and Regional Transportation Plan.

The chair of that first meeting in July 1994 was former Glendale City Manager Tim Ernster, who called it an honor to help initiate what has become a key technical committee.

"Being part of the original planning process for expansion of regional transportation services, including light rail and expanded bus service, was exciting and fun. When I look back over the last 25 years at what has been accomplished in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area in expanded transportation services, it is quite an incredible feat. Political leadership, as well as the hard work of many public servants, made it possible and I am fortunate that I was able to play a small part in the process,” he said.