Phoenix Sky Harbor is purchasing dozens more transponders to improve tarmac safety by keeping vehicles off active runways.
The Phoenix City Council approved roughly $500,000 in funding last month for 85 vehicle movement area transponders, or V-MAT units, which let air traffic controllers track ground vehicles in real time.
Mayor Kate Gallego said she was thankful the council was able to move this measure forward.
"In another state there was a really difficult crash and many people think additional transponders might have helped everyone see the airfield better and understand it," she said.
Gallego was referring to an incident at New York’s LaGuardia Airport in March when a truck collided with a jet. Phoenix was one of the first cities to pilot V-MAT technologies and currently have five in operation.
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The Federal Aviation Administration is considering making changes to the Valley’s airspace, but the city of Phoenix is concerned the proposal would increase noise for residents in north Phoenix more than anywhere else in the city. -
Waymo is expanding its presence in Arizona with a large land purchase northwest of Phoenix. -
The discussion took place against the backdrop of a looming strike by Sun Tran and Sun Link drivers, who have been raising concerns about their work safety for months. -
Under Arizona law, it is a misdemeanor to knowingly remove, alter, deface or cover political signs unless you’re an authorized representative for the campaign, private property owner or government. -
If you recently sped in front of one of the city of Phoenix’s 17 photo safety cameras, you may be among the thousands of drivers who received a traffic citation.
