Pro: Prop. 104 will make Phoenix richer

• Proposition 104 is a robust, modern transportation plan.
• Acting now can prevent the gridlock that would surely come with a growing population.
• Downtown Phoenix’s crucial mix of commerce, education, arts and culture would not have been possible without a modern transit system.

Together, we can build a stronger and smarter city — one with an infrastructure that will help us create a more prosperous economy.

CON: Prop. 104 doesn't benefit enough people

We will do that by passing Proposition 104, a robust, modern transportation plan that:

-- Expands light rail and bus service to more neighborhoods than ever before.

-- Improves Dial-a-Ride for seniors and persons with disabilities.

-- Paves the way for 1,000 miles of new bike lanes.

-- And replaces hundreds of miles of aging roads.

We need it. Phoenix is fortunate that 15 years ago voters made a real investment in transit, but that plan is set to expire. Our growing city’s needs, however, will not expire.

Without action, federal tax dollars that should come back to us are at risk of going to cities like New York and Boston. On top of that, the state legislature has “swept” funds we need to repair local streets.

More than a need, though, Proposition 104 represents an incredible opportunity. We can plan more wisely than ever before and build the future we want.

Think about it: Phoenix is expected to double in population in the next few decades. Acting now can prevent the Los Angeles-like gridlock that would surely come. Our earlier investment is paying off. A quarter-million people use public transit to get to work, class or elsewhere every day, showing that light rail and buses help all of us — even those who don’t ride.

MORE: Light rail is focus of transit-tax campaign

RELATED: How Phoenix's transit promises have fared

We can also continue to support our knowledge-based economy by getting students to class. Today, nearly one in four light rail riders is a student, connected to learning centers with affordable transportation options. Proposition 104 steps up our game, for the first time putting ASU Downtown, the UA Medical School, Grand Canyon University, ASU West, ASU Tempe and Gateway Community College along a single track.

Light rail has been transformative for downtown and our economy, attracting more than $7 billion in investment to our urban core. There is now a there there. This crucial mix of commerce, education, arts and culture would not have been possible without a modern transit system. Other areas of Phoenix deserve the same opportunities.

Proposition 104 is a simple choice. Do we need this transit infrastructure? Yes, badly. Does the plan deliver what we need in a sensible, affordable and accountable way? Yes again.

That is why so many respected transportation experts, community leaders and the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce support it. That’s why I am asking Phoenix voters to vote yes, and I trust they will.

Greg Stanton is the mayor of Phoenix