Phoenix citizens demand late night transit service and accountability for public speakers

The Phoenix City Council held a formal meeting on July 2, 2025, addressing several pressing community issues, including public transit, civil rights, and park management.

The meeting began with public comments highlighting concerns about the treatment of vulnerable populations. One speaker emphasized the need for greater empathy towards individuals experiencing homelessness, criticizing the council for appearing indifferent during public addresses. This sentiment was echoed by another speaker, John Forsyth, who expressed frustration over council members being distracted by their phones while citizens voiced their opinions. Forsyth invoked historical figures like Thomas Jefferson to stress the importance of civic engagement and the need for the council to adapt to the evolving needs of the community.

A significant topic of discussion was the city’s public transit system. A petition was presented advocating for the restoration of late-night bus services, which had been curtailed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The speaker cited a 5.5% increase in ridership and argued that reinstating late-night services could enhance nightlife and reduce incidents of drunk driving. The council was urged to draft a report on the feasibility of this proposal and to hold public hearings to gather community input.

Another speaker raised concerns about the lack of transparency from the Citizen Transportation Commission, which oversees public transit decisions. They criticized the commission for not posting meeting minutes and for failing to implement previously recommended equity mobility programs, despite significant funding allocated for this purpose.

The meeting also addressed issues related to park management, specifically regarding unauthorized construction in the Phoenix Mountain Preserve. A public watchdog raised alarms about a recent project at Piestewa Peak that allegedly bypassed city council approval, calling for accountability from city officials and adherence to ethical standards.

As the meeting concluded, the council faced calls for increased responsiveness to community needs and a commitment to ethical governance. The discussions underscored a growing demand for transparency and action on critical issues affecting the residents of Phoenix. The council is expected to consider the proposals and concerns raised in future sessions, particularly as they prepare for a summer break.