We are building light rail in Phoenix. Near as I can tell, it is not particularly convenient for anyone.
Mass transit planning considerations are often at odds with what some of the public perceives as "convenient".
In most areas, mass transit's prime objective is to reduce vehicular flow during peak hours; therefore, the routing is dictated by worker-flow: home-job-home. Recreational and tourist use is secondary; therefore, mass transit often by passes airports, sports venues, and recreational sites.
LA, New York, and Phoenix have Mass Transit that goes near Airports to connect to a separate system for the final leg; some cities (London, Philadelphia) have Mass Transit that actually enters the airport (Philly has the best I've ever seen). Washington DC has a subway stop for Washington National (but it's a passenger's nightmare to lug baggage from the elevated train to the ticket areas) and Dulles International is still Bus/Cab only.
The "it's for the workers" syndrome results in other strange consequences. In the LA Metro area (including Long Beach) it results in trains stopping about midnight. So, if you want to go to the Music Center and see Les Miz, best leave before the curtain call. And in LB, if you want to go to a show and stop for a drink afterward, you need to drink and drive!
Our older US cities had a very different take on mass transit in that commercial destinations were considered important. All of Philadelphia's major department stores had show windows and entrances right in the subway stations. Even today, Philly 30th Street Station (AMTRACK) and Reading Terminal (Commuter Light Rail) have large very nice shopping areas as part of the terminal complex. Commuters can buy a fresh rack of lamb, fresh rosemary, just picked carrots, and fresh baked French bread (and some fresh cut flowers) to take home for dinner.
Washington tried a large commercial venue underneath Du Pont Circle, adjoining the subway station, but poor management and lack of good policing let it fall into disfavor, and it is now boarded up. A sad loss.
der Brucer