Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Metro Light Rail Celebration Exbitor and Volunteers Needed

With celebrations across the 20-mile alignment and more than 200,000 people expected, METRO light rail is seeking volunteer support for the launch of Arizona’s first light rail system on December 26, 27 and 28, 2008.

Volunteers, or “METRO Ambassadors,” are needed to support the many aspects of a launch party this large. Ambassadors will be asked to perform such key duties as greeting and queuing passengers at station platforms; providing information about the days’ events and how the light rail system works; assisting in set-up and break-down of the events; and monitoring for safety.


METRO Ambassadors will receive proper training, including an up-close look at the METRO light rail system, a uniform as well as a “token” of METRO’s appreciation. So, if you’re a train fanatic, transportation enthusiast or just interested in being a part of this historic event, we have a grand opening post for you.

A complete outline of the volunteering opportunities are available at:http://www.valleymetro.org/metro_light_rail/grand_opening/grand_opening_volunteers

Complete the volunteer application at:http://www.valleymetro.org/metro_light_rail/grand_opening/volunteer_application_form/

A complete outline and application of exhibitor opportunities are available at:
http://www.valleymetro.org/images/uploads/lightrail_publications/grand-opennig-participation-guide.pdf

The deadline to apply is November 14.

Source: Metro Light Rail

Thursday, October 16, 2008

METRO free-ride weekend has been extended

PHOENIX — Your window to experience the new METRO light rail system for free has been extended through Dec. 31.


Fares will be required beginning Jan. 1, 2009.

The original plans for METRO’s grand opening included a free-ride weekend on Saturday, Dec. 27 and Sunday, Dec. 28, 2008 only. But with a recent Board decision, the opportunity to offer a greater number of free rides and exposure to this new system was approved.

Free rides will be offered from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 27; 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 28; and as part of METRO’s regular service hours on Monday, Dec. 29 – Wednesday, Dec. 31.

More information on the METRO grand opening will be forthcoming.


Source: Metro Light Rail

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Comic Book Star Designs METRO Pass

Comic book superstar Todd McFarlane to design Preview Pass commemorative ticket

PHOENIX — One of the region’s hottest tickets this year will also be one of the most collectible. Phoenix-based and internationally-renowned artist Todd McFarlane (Spawn, Spider-man) will create original artwork for the limited-edition METRO Preview Pass.

McFarlane’s design will serve as the “golden ticket” to get you in the door of the preview ride on Dec. 26 and as your keepsake of METRO light rail’s historic grand opening.

METRO’s Preview Pass event will permit a select group of residents, dignitaries and local celebrities to ride the final test train on Friday, Dec. 26 – the day before the public grand opening.


Members of the general public who are passengers on this preview ride will have won their McFarlane-designed Preview Pass from a media outlet. Media outlets from across the Valley are currently submitting proposals to METRO for how they would creatively distribute passes to their listeners, readers or viewers. [REMINDER to media: proposals are due by Friday, Oct. 17 by 5 p.m.]

Grammy- and Emmy-winning producer/director Todd McFarlane is the force behind McFarlane Toys, one of America’s top action figure manufacturers. McFarlane Toys' hotly anticipated Halo 3 and Guitar Hero lines are slated to hit stores nationwide late October. The company also produces officially licensed NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL figures. Visit
www.mcfarlane.com and the McFarlane retail store at Westgate City Center in Glendale.


Source: Metro Lightrail

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Reversible Lane Update‏

Dear Friends,

I would like to thank everyone who participated in the discussion about the reversible lanes on 7th Avenue and 7th Street. In particular, I would like to thank our friends at SAMA and the various neighborhood associations who worked so diligently on this issue. There was a packed house yesterday at the City Council meeting with residents representing many different views. This was a great example of how the democratic process works.

After public input and debate among my colleagues, it became clear that we did not have the Council votes to eliminate the reversible lanes at this time. On the bright side, Council members reached a compromise to continue to review our options. The reversible lanes will remain as is for now, but we will continue to study possible alternatives to make them safer, taking into consideration how light rail and other traffic conditions may change in the near future. I also convinced my colleagues that we should analyze the feasibility of permanent photo radar speed enforcement along the Sevens. Permanent radar enforcement could provide a safer street environment, as well as provide a source of potential revenue to fund improvements on both of these streets. My colleagues also agreed to install a pedestrian crosswalk light at Glenrosa and 7th Avenue and to further explore additional pedestrian crosswalk lights along the Sevens. Safety is a priority, so I am pleased that pedestrian crosswalks were included.

The City Council will reconsider the issue before our Council recess next summer. Hopefully, the Council will agree to make changes that will improve safety for both drivers and pedestrians, if not eliminating the reversible lanes completely.

Tom

Source: Tom Simplot, Councilman, District 4 E-News

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Reversible Lanes Update

The Phoenix City Council will be discussing the future of the reversible lanes on Tuesday, October 7th at 2 pm.

The meeting will be held at the Council Chambers located at 200 W Jefferson.

I believe that the reversible lanes create a dangerous environment and have a negative impact on the quality of life of our neighborhoods. This is a very important issue that will affect many Phoenix residents, so I encourage you to attend the City Council meeting and voice your opinion.


Councilman Tom Simplot, District 4, E-News