Ok, get this… the Phoenix Valley Metro light rail service opened to the public last month. Earlier this week Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio announced a plan to transport inmates via the light rail system.

The release from the sheriff’s office notes, "In phase one of a new cost-saving program, Arpaio will have deputies transport inmates from 44th Street and Washington to the Fourth Avenue Jail, eliminating the need for costly parking fees associated with inmate transport. Projected cost savings from this phase of "Con Rail" is estimated to be about $72,000.00."

Here’s a quote from Sheriff Arpaio, "Not only is this program financially creative in these tough economic times, but we will be providing a service to the city’s light rail program by occasionally providing free security. There is nothing to be concerned or worried about as my deputies will be armed."

I don’t know about you but if the NYC MTA started transporting inmates on the subway with other passengers, I’d be a bit worried. If this system put the inmates on an empty train with no other commuters, I think it might work well. But to share a train just doesn’t sit right.

The Valley Metro has already had to issue a release over concerns received via their hotline. The metro notes, "The METRO light rail vehicle, much like any public transit vehicle, is not a controlled environment and not designed for this application.  Transporting inmates using public transportation is not a common practice nationally and has not occurred locally on the Valley’s bus system."

Let’s hope they come to a quick resolution of "Con Rail".