METRO hires new CEO, Steve Banta

An employment contract has been finalized between METRO light rail and its new CEO Steve Banta. Banta is expected to start work on January 20, 2010.

On Wednesday, the METRO Board ratified the negotiated employment contract and submitted it to Banta for his review and, ultimately, his signature.

“We are extremely pleased to move forward with Mr. Banta,” said METRO Board Chairman and Phoenix Vice Mayor Tom Simplot. “The METRO light rail organization will benefit from his years of experience managing an operation that is a model in the transit industry.”

Banta has worked in progressively important management roles for several public transit agencies including in his current role as TriMet’s executive director of operations as well as in San Diego, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, Dallas and Pittsburgh. He has more than 23 years in the transit industry, starting his career in 1986 repairing railcars. “I appreciate the Board’s confidence in me,” said Banta. “I look forward to building a similar level of trust with the metro Phoenix community and add to the excellent work already accomplished.”

Current CEO Rick Simonetta has served as METRO’s first CEO over the last six years; his term ends December 31, 2009. METRO General Counsel Mike Ladino will serve as acting CEO until Banta’s arrival.

Simonetta has more than 38 years in the transit industry, working in all facets. METRO has been his first start-up adventure and, under his leadership, METRO opened on time, within budget and is now experiencing ridership that surpasses all projections. “I’m leaving this organization in very capable hands,” said Simonetta.

Source: Metro Light Rail

GOLDEN PASS PROMOTION

Metro's First Year Anniversary - All Day Saturday, December 19th


Ride light rail this Saturday for your chance to receive a “golden” transit pass! Discover new businesses, special discounts and be generally rewarded for your support of METRO in its first year. Here’s the inside scoop:

GOLDEN PASS PROMOTION

Ala Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, METRO will specially mark “golden” tickets in certain fare vending machines along the line. Buy your pass from any of the on-platform fare vending machines at the following stations for your chance to win:

Montebello/19th Avenue
Central Avenue/Camelback
Roosevelt/Central Avenue
Van Buren/Central Avenue and Van Buren/1st Avenue
Mill Avenue/3rd Street
Veterans Way/College Avenue
Price-101 Freeway/Apache Boulevard
Sycamore/Main Street

The 50 “golden” transit pass recipients will be entered into a raffle to receive one of 30 pairs of US Airways Center event tickets – either to a Phoenix Suns home game or a family-friendly event, like Disney on Ice or Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus. Two lucky winners will recieve “Grand Golden VIP Experiences” that include:

Four lower-level tickets to a Phoenix Suns home game
Seats on the Suns bench during pre-game warm-ups
Suns locker room tour
Suns autographed memorabilia

For additional information, including rider appreciation discounts, rules, regulations and eligibility details, visit http://www.metrolightrail.org. Platinum Pass and U-Pass cardholders have also been integrated into this program.

Source: Councilman Simplot District 4 E-News

COMTO and WTS Media Advisory

What

Last ride of METRO CEO Rick Simonetta – photo opp today at 4:55 p.m.

The Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) and WTS along with the generous support of Friends of Transit (FOT) and Arizona Transit Association (AzTA) have teamed up to host the last ride and farewell reception for METRO light rail CEO Rick Simonetta. Simonetta departs as METRO’s first chief executive at the end of this year.

Simonetta will be honored by his peers and city leadership for his six years of service and expertise, opening up the Valley’s first light rail system on time and on budget.

A train will leave the Sycamore/Main station in Mesa at 4:10 p.m.* with Simonetta and Mesa city leadership and staff on board. The train will travel west to pick up leaders in both Tempe and Phoenix. The group will disembark at Central/McDowell station and proceed to the reception site, the Phoenix Art Museum.

When

Wednesday, December 16

Train departs at 4:10 p.m. from the Sycamore/Main station.

Picks up Tempe leadership at 4:23 p.m. from the Veterans Way/College station.

Picks up Phoenix leadership at 4:50 p.m. from the Washington/Central station.

Group disembarks at the Central/McDowell station at 4:55 p.m. – PHOTO OPP

VIP reception from 5 – 6 p.m. – INTERVIEW OPP

Full reception from 6 – 8 p.m.

Where

Reception will take place at the Phoenix Art Museum.

Who

Mayors, Vice Mayors and Council members of METRO member cities will be onboard and speak at the reception.

More Info

The Phoenix chapters of COMTO and WTS have been active in the Valley for several years and are dedicated to promoting the advancement of minorities and women in the field of transportation, including public transit, aviation, highways and related modes.

*These are approximate times; as always, train schedules are subject to unexpected delays or impacts.

Source: Metro Light Rail

Google Maps recognizes Phoenix Central Neighborhood Association as a Favorite Place on Google

Congratulations! You have made Phoenix Central Neighborhood Association a Favorite Place on Google. Between July 1 and September 30, Google users found Phoenix Central Neighborhood Association listed 5547 times, and requested driving directions or other information about our association 216 times.

Because we are so popular, Google provided a decal that shows citizens we are a Favorite Place on Google. The sticker includes a special bar code that citizens may scan with cameras on their phones. Then they can see Phoenix Central Neighborhood Association listings on Google, read and write reviews, and be added as a favorite right there. Our office is located in the Executive Towers Condominiums at 207 W. Clarendon Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85013. Stop by and visit the facility and ask the office manager, Cindy Lee or one of the front desk attendants if you can capture the special bar code from the sticker. We have placed it on the condo resident bulletin board in the mail room adjacent to the lobby.

Send us an email at Info@PhoenixCentral.org if you have problems.

We look forward to providing you with more and better ways to grow the Phoenix Central Neighborhood Association.

Alton J. Jones
Chairman
Phoenix Central Neighborhood Association

PhoenixCentral.org

METRO Board enters negotiations with final CEO candidate‏

METRO light rail Board of Directors extends an offer of employment to Stephen R. Banta to serve as METRO’s new Chief Executive Officer. Staff will begin work with METRO member cities to negotiate a fair and equitable employment contract with Mr. Banta. The CEO selection will be made official with the Board’s approval of the contract.

“This was a very difficult [selection] process,” said METRO Board Chairman and Phoenix Vice Mayor Tom Simplot following the Board’s executive session where the two final candidates – Mr. Banta and Deborah Wathen Finn – were discussed. “Either candidate could take the reins and lead us with outstanding success; they are each professionals and top of their class.”

Mr. Banta presently serves as the Executive Director of Operations for TriMet, the transit authority for the Portland metropolitan region. TriMet is the 7th largest transit system in America providing more than 350,000 trips each weekday on its 52 miles of light rail, 14.7 miles of commuter rail and 81 bus lines. Prior to TriMet, Banta served as the Chief Operations Officer with the Port Authority of Allegheny County in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania for eight years. He has more than 23 years of experience in the transit industry, starting his career in 1986 repairing railcars.

Current CEO Rick Simonetta will stay in this role through December 31, 2009.

Source: Metro Light Rail

METRO to celebrate first anniversary and riders on Dec. 19‏

What

METRO to celebrate first anniversary and riders on Dec. 19

Make METRO light rail a part of your holiday plans on Saturday, December 19. Enjoy deals, convenient access to a variety of events and a chance to win a Suns VIP experience!

Ala Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, METRO will hold a Golden Pass promotion to celebrate its anniversary and thank riders for their generous support and use of the system over the inaugural year.

In partnership with US Airways Center and the Phoenix Suns, METRO will specially mark “golden” transit passes in select station fare vending machines along the line. The 30 lucky winners who receive a “golden” transit pass will be entitled to win a pair of US Airways Center event tickets. In addition, the lucky winners will be entered into a drawing to win one of two “Grand Golden VIP Experiences.”

To sweeten the anniversary celebration, retail businesses along the line have been invited to offer special discounts on December 19 to anyone who presents a valid transit pass.

When

Saturday, December 19

Where

Along the 20-mile line

More

More specifics on the anniversary celebration, including the stations containing the “golden” passes and participating retailers offering rider discounts, will be released the week of December 14.

Information, including eligibility criteria, can be found online at www.metrolightrail.org. Platinum Pass/U-Pass cardholders are also integrated into this promotion

Source: Metro Light Rail

Explore light rail with these special and holiday events‏

With guests in town and time away from the daily grind this holiday season, consider METRO light rail as your connection to the Valley’s best special events and destinations. METRO has created an event listing featuring special and holiday-themed events taking place at venues located along the 20-mile line. Download this guide from the “Good to Know” section of www.metrolightrail.org.

This guide was developed to give riders a glimpse of the wide-ranging event opportunities available within walking distance from the line. It features event details, venue contact information, closest light rail stations and notations for free, family fun, holiday and Rail Ride events.

The Rail Ride event program is a ticket partnership between METRO and the US Airways Center and Phoenix Suns. Any US Airways Center event ticket serves as your light rail pass for that day – four hours before the event and through the end of the transit day. More information on the Rail Ride program can be found on the METRO homepage.

While this guide showcases dozens of events occurring through the first of the year, it is not meant to be a complete listing. For a more complete list of the Valley’s arts and culture destinations along light rail, download the METRO Arts and Culture Ride Guide at metrolightrail.org

Source: Metro Light Rail

METRO October ridership – another record-breaking month

METRO ridership reaches an all-time high with 1,124,924 riders in October. With 70,000 more riders than the high in September, daily ridership peaked at 41,077 for the average weekday, 30,517 for the average Saturday and 17,160 for the average Sunday/holiday in October.

In September, METRO ridership totaled 1,054,286 boardings, resulting in an average weekday ridership of 40,772, average Saturday ridership of 28,612 and average Sunday and holiday ridership of 16,726.

METRO had its single highest ridership day on Friday, Oct. 2 with 50,562 riders. Several factors could be contributors to this peak including the arrival of the fall season and visitors as well as events such as the First Friday art walk in downtown Phoenix.

METRO achieved 50,000+ riders one other time on May 13 during ASU’s spring commencement featuring President Barack Obama. METRO served 50,011 riders that day.

Source: Metro Light Rail

planPHX - Big Question #2‏

IMAGINE PHOENIX IN 2050. WHAT DO YOU SEE?

Go to www.phoenix.gov/planphx and go to Events to find a Visioning Workshop during the month of November.

The Phoenix Central Neighborhood Association participates in the Encanto Village group.

Source: City of Phoenix Planning Department

METRO and arts venues team-up for new guide, great deals

Arts organizations celebrate with admission discounts

METRO and 39 Valley arts and culture venues are marking National Arts and Humanities Month with a new light rail destination guide and some great deals on fall arts events for the whole family.

METRO Board Chair and Phoenix Vice Mayor Tom Simplot joined Mayors Hugh Hallman and Scott Smith at the Roosevelt and Central Avenue light rail station today to unveil the new Arts and Culture Ride Guide. The three were flanked by a group of costumed performers, including a ballerina, Shakespearean actress and a dinosaur wrangler.

“The guide makes it easy to take advantage of the many incredible arts opportunities on the line, ” Simplot said, “and supporting the arts is good for the city. More than six million people visit Phoenix arts venues each year, producing millions of dollars in tax revenues and benefiting nearby businesses.”

Tempe Mayor Hugh Hallman, a member of the METRO board, noted that arts and culture organizations are important economic drivers in the East Valley, too.

“These organizations and their patrons generate more than $82 million a year in the East Valley alone,” he said, “and support more than 1,700 jobs in restaurants, hotels and other related businesses.”

Mesa Mayor Scott Smith encouraged Valley residents to take advantage of discounts being offered by many of the venues.

“Taking your kids to the museum and to live performances are the kinds of family experiences that make great memories,” he said. “And riding the train there is half the fun.”

Eleven venues on the METRO line are celebrating the release of the guide by offering reduced admission to transit riders. A listing of special offers and a downloadable version of the Arts and Culture Ride Guide are available online at http://www.metrolightrail.org/. The printed guide is available at visitor centers, arts venues and hotels along the light rail line.

The 33-page full-color METRO Arts and Culture Ride Guide features photos, descriptions and contact information for each venue on the line in Phoenix, Tempe and Mesa, along with station maps and bus connections. Getting to great entertainment is as easy as (1) choosing the venue, (2) using the guide to find the nearest light rail station and (3) buying a transit pass.

An all-day transit pass is only $3.50 for adults, half-price for children 6 to 18, and free for kids five and under. Passes are available at vending machines located at all light rail stations.

The following information on discounts and specials is approved for publication / release to the public.

Discounts offered by arts and culture venues on the METRO line

(Closest to the geographical boundaries of the Phoenix Central Neighborhood Association)

Heard Museum

Show your transit pass and get 2-for-1 admission through November 30, 2009. Pay for an adult or senior admission and receive an admission of equal or lesser value free. Valid for up to four admissions. Cannot be combined with other discount offers. Not valid during special events.

About METRO

METRO is the nonprofit, public corporation responsible for operation of the 20-mile light rail system in metro Phoenix, and for design, construction and future operation of 37 miles of possible extensions. Since opening in December 2008, METRO ridership has exceeded projections by more than 33 percent. September average weekday ridership was 53% above projections. http://www.metrolightrail.org/.

About the economic impact of the arts

Nonprofit arts and culture organizations generate $361 million in economic activity in Phoenix and $82 million in the East Valley.

Total attendance at Valley arts venues is more than 7.3 million annually

Arts organizations and their patrons generate more than $48 million in local and state tax revenues each year.

Note to reporters: Detailed information from the study “Arts and Economic Prosperity,” 2007, by Americans for the Arts, is available for both the city of Phoenix and the East Valley. For details, send an email to MMcNeil@MetroLightRail.org.

Source: Metro Light Rail

Revised time for ArtsGuide news conference‏

What

METRO and arts venues team-up on new Ride Guide, special deals
METRO and 39 arts organizations will mark National Arts and Humanities Month with the release of a pocket-size guide to arts venues along the light rail line.

Eleven arts venues will concurrently launch special discounts for transit riders.
Two mayors and the chair of the METRO Board of Directors will speak about the importance of arts organizations to the Valley economy. Arts organizations and their patrons are responsible for $443 million in economic activity annually in Phoenix and the East Valley.

When

12:25pm New start time. (Previously scheduled for noon)
Wednesday, October 21

Where

METRO station at Roosevelt and Central Avenue

Who

Tempe Mayor Hugh Hallman
Mesa Mayor Scott Smith
Phoenix Vice Mayor and METRO Board Chair Tom Simplot

Info and Visuals

Information on economic impact of the arts and details on special discounts offered by arts venues will be available.

The elected officials will be joined by costumed performers featured in the Arts and Culture Ride Guide, including a ballerina, a Shakespearean actress, a puppeteer and a 65-million-year-old carnivorous dinosaur.

Source: Metro Light Rail

DISA & DATA (Highway speed limits = deaths)

Highway speed limits = deaths. In 1974 Congress set highway speed limits at 55mph; purpose was to reduce gas consumption. In 1995 states were then allowed to set their own speed limits. Researchers at the University of Illinois estimate that 12,500 more highway deaths occurred from 1995 to 2005 because of the increase in allowed speed, even when taking into consideration more cars, introduction of air bags and other car construction improvements. (N.Y. Times, 9/20/09)

Source: FS

METRO and arts venues team-up‏

What

METRO and arts venues team-up on new Ride Guide, special deals
METRO and 39 arts organizations will mark National Arts and Humanities Month with the release of a pocket-size guide to arts venues along the light rail line.

Eleven arts venues will concurrently launch special discounts for transit riders.
Two mayors and the chair of the METRO Board of Directors will speak about the importance of arts organizations to the Valley economy. Arts organizations and their patrons are responsible for $443 million in economic activity annually in Phoenix and the East Valley.

When

Noon, Wednesday, October 21

Where

METRO station at Roosevelt and Central Avenue

Who

Tempe Mayor Hugh Hallman
Mesa Mayor Scott Smith
Phoenix Vice Mayor and METRO Board Chair Tom Simplot

Info and Visuals

Information on economic impact of the arts and details on special discounts offered by arts venues will be available.

The elected officials will be joined by costumed performers featured in the Arts and Culture Ride Guide, including a ballerina, a Shakespearean actress, a puppeteer and a 65-million-year-old carnivorous dinosaur.

Source: Metro Light Rail

METRO September ridership - highest month on record‏

An average of 40,000 riders per weekday used METRO light rail in September, contributing to the highest monthly ridership in METRO history.

More than one million boardings occurred in September for a total of 1,054,286 riders, creating an average weekday ridership of 40,772, average Saturday ridership of 28,612 and average Sunday and holiday ridership of 16,726.

Ridership has grown more than 170,000 boardings since August and 300,000 since the lowest point in July.

Source: Metro Light Rail

Phoenix General Plan Update available for download

The Phoenix Central Neighborhood Association has requested the City of Phoenix Planning Department to make its presentation about the General Plan Update available online for download.

Click here to download a copy of this presentation.

FYI: It's a 4.6MB pdf.

Source: City of Phoenix

Where does METRO REALLY begin?

What:

Where does METRO REALLY begin? Great photo opportunity tomorrow, 9 a.m.

A city official will clean a METRO light rail station. Why, you may ask? A bet.

Vice Mayors Tom Simplot (Phoenix) and Kyle Jones (Mesa) made a friendly wager back in August regarding which end-of-line station is the busiest by boardings. Through September, each city made attempts to attract more riders to their station – Montebello/19th Ave. in Phoenix and Sycamore/Main St. in Mesa. The terms: the city with the least amount of September boardings would clean the winning city’s station.

Well, boardings have been tracked…and the answer to that age-old question is in: In which city does METRO really begin? Mesa. Come see the Phoenix cleaning crew in action.

When

Friday, October 2, 2009

9 a.m.

Where

Sycamore/Main St. light rail station, Mesa; Sycamore is located just east of Dobson Rd.

Who

Phoenix Vice Mayor and METRO Board Chairman Tom Simplot

Mesa Vice Mayor and METRO Board Vice Chairman Kyle Jones

Phoenix “cleaning crew”

No formal comments will be given, but fun photos will be captured.

More

Parking available in the Sycamore park-and-ride located on the northwest corner of Main St. and Sycamore. Light rail also provides convenient access.

Source: Metro Light Rail

RAIL RIDE EVENT PROGRAM TO LAUNCH TOMORROW

Rail Ride Event to officially begin with Game 2 of the WNBA Finals Thursday night

WHAT:

METRO light rail, US Airways Center, Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury will officially launch the Rail Ride Event program during an announcement tomorrow (Wednesday, September 30) at 6:30 a.m. The announcement will take place at the Park and Ride location on 19th Avenue and Montebello Avenue, across from the light rail station platform.

The unique program will be activated for the first time when the Phoenix Mercury take on the Indiana Fever on Thursday, October 1 in Game 2 of the WNBA Finals at US Airways Center. Tip-off is set for 6 p.m.

Through Rail Ride Event, METRO will recognize any US Airways Center event ticket as valid light rail fare on the day of the event, for four hours prior to the start of the event, through the end of the transit day. The program will begin tomorrow and run through September 30, 2010.

WHO:

METRO Board Chair and Phoenix Vice Mayor Tom Simplot
Rick Simonetta, METRO CEO

Ralph Marchetta, US Airways Center General Manager

Jay Parry, Phoenix Mercury President and Chief Operating Officer

Suns Dancers

Members of the Phoenix Mercury Hip Hop Squad

Scorch, Phoenix Mercury mascot

WHEN:

Wednesday, September 30
6:30 a.m.

WHERE:

19th Avenue and Montebello Avenue Park and Ride location (Across from the light rail station)

NOTE:
Media parking will be available at the Park and Ride location.

Source: Metro Light Rail

Encanto Village Visioning Workshop

Encanto Village Visioning workshops begin on October 5th.

Activity 1 asks Big Question #1:

What do you value most about Phoenix and why?

Please tell us!

Click here for further details.

Source: City of Phoenix

METRO light rail, US Airways Center and the Phoenix Suns have developed a unique partnership to build transit into downtown Phoenix events.

Transit-venue partnership builds light rail into downtown events

METRO light rail, US Airways Center and the Phoenix Suns have developed a unique partnership to build transit into downtown Phoenix events. The “Rail Ride Event” program allows consumers who purchase a ticket to an event at US Airways Center to ride METRO light rail at no additional cost on the day of the event.

Under this one-year pilot program, METRO will recognize US Airways Center event tickets as valid light rail fare starting four hours before the event through the end of the transit day. The program begins October 1, 2009 and runs through September 30, 2010. It is expected to generate up to $340,000 in revenue for METRO.

US Airways Center hosts nearly 200 events each year, including the Phoenix Suns and Mercury basketball games, concerts and family shows. All ticketed US Airways Center events are included in the Rail Ride Event program.

"This program will encourage use of the METRO system as a great way to get to and from events at US Airways Center," said METRO Board Chairman and city of Phoenix Vice Mayor Tom Simplot. "The new riders will soon discover how convenient, efficient and safe the system is."

“Suns fans who used light rail to travel to games last year told us that being able to avoid traffic and parking issues, as well as the ease and convenience of the trip, resulted in an experience that enhanced their enjoyment of attending a game,” said Phoenix Suns President and CEO Rick Welts. “We appreciate the willingness and creativity the leadership at METRO light rail demonstrated in developing this program for all US Airways Center events.”

METRO CEO Rick Simonetta called it a “perfect fit.”

“Special event and recreation-oriented trips are already a significant portion of our ridership, nearly 40 percent,” said Simonetta. “Teaming up with the Suns and a great venue like US Airways Center just takes it to the next level.”

About METRO

METRO is a non-profit, public corporation responsible for the operation of the 20-mile light rail system in metro Phoenix, and for design, construction and future operation of 37 miles of possible extensions. Since opening in December 2008, METRO has posted ridership figures 30 percent above projections.
www.metrolightrail.org

About US Airways Center

US Airways Center is owned by the city of Phoenix and managed by a subsidiary of Suns Legacy Partners, owners of the Phoenix Suns (NBA) and Phoenix Mercury (WNBA). The 19,000-seat, award-winning venue hosts nearly 200 events a year including concerts, the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, Disney on Ice shows, other family shows, sporting events, and conventions. More than two million guests attend events at the Center annually.
www.usairwayscenter.com

Source: Metro Light Rail

Imagine Phoenix in 2050

The city of Phoenix is about to begin a very important project and we need your help. Every ten years Arizona State Law requires cities to update their general plans. The General Plan provides comprehensive direction for the growth, conservation and redevelopment of all physical aspects of the city through goals, policies and recommendations. This document is intended to be both long range and visionary and to provide guidance for actions over a long period of time. This project will be broken into two phases. Phase I - visioning, and Phase II - policy plan development. Phase I will kick off on October 5, 2009 and continue through June, 2010. Phase II will begin in September, 2010 and continue through September, 2011. The plan will be presented to the public for approval at an election in September, 2012.

Visit the Phoenix Central Neighborhood Association calendar page at www.PhoenixCenral.org/Calendar.html for specific workshop dates. The boundaries of the Phoenix Central Neighborhood Association (Indian School to Thomas Roads and 7th Avenue and 3rd Street) is assigned to the Encanto Village. A schedule for all villages can be viewed by visiting www.PhoenixCentral.org/village.pdf.

A different activity will be held each month. At the end of each workshop, more details will be provided regarding the activity for the next workshop. You are encouraged to share this list of meeting dates with your friends and neighbors and ask them to attend. These workshops are open to the public.

At the first workshops in October, you will be asked the question "What do you value most about Phoenix, and why?" To help answer this question, ask yourself how you came to be in Phoenix. Were you born here? Did you move here? What attracted you to Phoenix? What keeps you here? What stands out to you as a special moment, event or feeling during the time you have lived in Phoenix? WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! If you are not able to attend a workshop, please emai your response to planphx@phoenix.gov.

THANK YOU!!!

Source: City of Phoenix

WHAT: The METRO light rail, US Airways Center and Phoenix Suns have teamed up

METRO light rail, US Airways Center and Phoenix Suns team up on announcement

METRO light rail, US Airways Center and Phoenix Suns team up on announcement

WHAT:

The METRO light rail, US Airways Center and Phoenix Suns have teamed up to make a major announcement regarding the debut of a unique program on Thursday, September, 17(tomorrow) at 10:15 a.m. The announcement will take place in the parking lot on the northeast corner of 1st Street and Jefferson Street, across from US Airways Center.

WHO:

METRO Board Chair and Phoenix Vice Mayor Tom Simplot

Rick Simonetta, METRO CEO

Ralph Marchetta, US Airways Center General Manager

Rick Welts, Phoenix Suns President and CEO

Councilman Michael Johnson, City of Phoenix District 8

Tempe Vice Mayor Shana Ellis

WHEN:

Thursday, September 17

10:15 a.m.

WHERE:

Parking Lot on the northeast corner of 1st Street and Jefferson Street

(Across from US Airways Center)

NOTE:

Media parking will be available off Washington Street, between 1st and 2nd Street.

Source: Metro Light Rail

Survey reveals METRO rider characteristics‏

Thirty-five percent of METRO riders surveyed are new to transit. Forty percent use light rail to travel between home and a destination other than work, such as attending special events, enjoying a night out with friends or running errands.

These and other key insights were revealed from a METRO intercept survey conducted to better understand how and why riders use light rail. The survey was carried out in April 2009 using verbal interviews with more than 3,000 weekday and Saturday passengers ranging from regular commuters, students, seniors and recreational users. The data will be used to help METRO in its future planning efforts.

Other key survey findings:

Nearly 30 percent of respondents use METRO to commute between home and work exclusively.

Approximately 20 percent of respondents use METRO for trips where neither end of the trip is home (i.e. going to/from lunch during the workday, meeting friends after work or going to school from the workplace).

Forty-five percent of respondents walk, bike or skate to a METRO station to connect with light rail; the other half either drive to a METRO station, usually using a park-and-ride facility (29 percent) or connect from a bus (26 percent).

Sixty-eight percent of respondents have at least one car available for the trip they were making on light rail.

For more METRO intercept survey detail, visit http://www.valleymetro.org/images/uploads/lightrail_publications/Intercept_web_PPT.pdf.

A more comprehensive on-board survey will be conducted on regional bus and light rail in fall 2010.

Source: Metro Light Rail

METRO Adopt-A-Station program launch‏

What


METRO Adopt-A-Station program launch – news conference on 8/28

To better connect with the community and enhance the transit rider experience, METRO has created an Adopt-A-Station program. METRO leadership will share why and how to become involved as a station sponsor at this Friday’s news conference.

The Adopt-A-Station program will be open to adjacent businesses and organizations who want to help maintain METRO stations as well as showcase their civic and community pride. Acceptance of applications will begin post-news conference.

When


Friday, August 28, 2009

9 a.m.

Where


Roosevelt light rail station

Roosevelt and Central Ave.

Who


§ Phoenix Vice Mayor and METRO Board Chairman Tom Simplot

§ Tempe Vice Mayor Shana Ellis

§ Mesa Vice Mayor and METRO Board Vice Chairman Kyle Jones

§ METRO CEO Rick Simonetta

One-on-one interviews with the aforementioned speakers will be available post-event as time permits.

More

Parking is limited around the Roosevelt station – consider using METRO light rail for convenient access.

Source: Metro Light Rail

PHOENIX PUBLIC TRANSIT PROGRESSES WITH ARRA PROJECTS

$29.1 million in grants support Phoenix transit infrastructure; $88 million for region

The Phoenix Public Transit Department announced it was awarded $88.8 million in American Recovery & Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds for projects in the Phoenix/Mesa urbanized area. The portion of these funds dedicated to city of Phoenix projects totals more than $29.1 million in improvements to its transit system and infrastructure, including $3.9 million for METRO light rail improvements in Phoenix.

Also, as the region’s federal grant recipient for the Phoenix/Mesa urbanized area, the city of Phoenix was awarded additional funds to disburse to grant sub-recipients.

Official announcement of the award of funding from ARRA was made Aug. 20 by the Federal Transit Administration, with many “shovel ready” projects scheduled to start work in late 2009 or early 2010.

Source: Metro Light Rail

METRO July ridership

METRO light rail ridership totaled 750,551 boardings in July 2009. The average weekday ridership was 26,554, average Saturday ridership was 22,650 and average Sunday and holiday ridership was 15,151.

METRO provided service for the first time to patrons of July 4th events along the line. METRO served a total of 32,450 riders on Saturday, July 4 – 67 percent more than a typical Saturday in July.

July’s ridership is the lowest since METRO’s opening, but it comes at no surprise. “Our experience is in line with what occurs on the Valley’s bus system, arterial roadways and highways – there are just fewer people traveling the metro area in the summer months,” commented METRO CEO Rick Simonetta. “This is the valley before fall ridership peaks.”

It is also worth noting that on July 1 a regional fare increase initiated affecting bus and light rail fares. Although the summer heat and increased fare costs have an impact on ridership, METRO remains above its original projection of 26,000 average weekday riders.

METRO will continue to monitor ridership and report new totals on a regular basis.

Source: Metro Light Rail

Public meeting to review Central/Camelback park-and-ride expansion

A public meeting is scheduled to review and receive feedback on the design of the Central/Camelback park-and-ride expansion. Neighboring stakeholders are encouraged to attend to see the latest plans and talk with city of Phoenix and METRO staff.

The proposed park-and-ride expansion would extend west to 7th Ave. from the existing 135-spaced parking lot on the southwest corner of Central Ave. and Camelback Rd. The current design calls for the additional space to provide 165 – 175 more parking spaces and be entirely shaded using shade canopies.

This project is funded through American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds provided to the city of Phoenix. It is scheduled for completion by summer of 2010.

Meeting date and location:

Tuesday, August 11, 2009
6 – 7:30 p.m.; presentation begins at 6:30 p.m.
Central High School Library
4525 N. Central Ave.

Those unable to attend the meeting but would like to have their comments heard or be added to the list to receive further communication may contact Gary Flunoy at (602) 322-4457 or gflunoy@metrolightrail.org.

Source: Metro Light Rail

Transit agencies to be honored for accessibility efforts

METRO light rail and Valley Metro are honored to be the shared recipients of the 2009 ADA Liberty Progress Award. The award will be presented by the Arizona Disability Advocacy Coalition (AzDAC) this Friday, July 24.

The ADA Liberty Progress Award is granted to a community organization or advocate whose intent and actions embrace the accessibility, inclusion and advancement of Arizonans with disabilities. METRO and Valley Metro were selected as this year’s recipients for involving passengers with disabilities in the design, development and execution of Valley transit services.

METRO included people with disabilities in every step of its implementation including the planning, construction and start-up phases. METRO utilized an ADA Advisory Board, made up of representatives from all disability groups, to assist in the development of ADA-compliant design. METRO Community Advisory Boards provided opportunities for feedback and access to staff during construction for people with disabilities to voice their concerns and have any issues addressed.

Valley Metro involves the input of passengers with disabilities in the design or retrofit of transit vehicles; has a customer service department that is knowledgeable of disability related needs; and provides fixed route training specifically for passengers with disabilities.

This award and others will be presented at AzDAC’s annual awards program – this year titled “Coming Full Circle: Getting Back to the Original Intent of the ADA” – on Friday at the Arizona state capital. This program is celebrated annually in conjunction with the anniversary of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act; 2009 marks the Act’s 19th anniversary.

For more on this program and its host organization, please contact Tony DiRienzi, AzDAC chairman, at (602) 262-2900 or tony@azsilc.org.

Source: Metro Light Rail

METRO June ridership

METRO ridership totaled 815,566 boardings in June 2009. The average weekday ridership was 29,469, average Saturday ridership was 24,372 and average Sunday and holiday ridership was 17,440.

METRO attributes the current decline in ridership to typical reductions in travel regionwide during the summer including breaks for ASU and other schools, summer travel and departure of winter visitors. “We expect to have ridership peaks again in the fall and look forward to closing out the year strong,” said METRO CEO Rick Simonetta.

METRO will continue to monitor ridership and report new totals on a monthly basis; numbers will be available by the middle of the subsequent month. Boardings by station reports will be available on a quarterly basis.

Source: Metro Light Rail

Valley Metro adds fare outlets ahead of July 1 fare increase

Transit riders should be aware that when fares increase on bus and light rail July 1, they can save money by purchasing fare media before their trips, off of the bus. Passes will be available online, via ticket vending machines, and at fare outlets.

Source: City of Phoenix Public Transit Department

METRO May ridership‏

METRO ridership totaled 928,259 boardings in May 2009. The average weekday ridership was 33,553, average Saturday ridership was 27,176 and average Sunday and holiday ridership was 20,219.

In April, METRO exceeded one million riders with 1,044,135 total boardings, resulting in an average weekday ridership of 37,386, average Saturday ridership of 32,720 and average Sunday and holiday ridership of 22,694.

METRO attributes the slight decline in ridership to typical reductions in travel regionwide due to summer breaks for ASU and other schools, as well as the departure of winter visitors.

METRO will continue to monitor ridership and report new totals on a monthly basis; numbers will be available by the middle of the subsequent month. Boardings by station reports will be available on a quarterly basis.

Source: Metro Light Rail

Avoid the line - buy your July 4th all-day transit pass now‏

What

Avoid the line – buy your July 4th all-day pass now

On this July 4th holiday, the cities of Phoenix and Tempe will hold celebrations that are conveniently located along the METRO light rail line. A special July 4th pass has been created that will keep passengers, who buy in advance, out of any lines at the fare vending machines on this date.

This special pass is pre-validated, or date-stamped, for July 4, 2009 and valid for that date only. Passes can be purchased online or at select transit centers.

The passenger benefit is in the pass’ pre-validation. Normally, all-day passes – even those purchased in advance – have to be validated on the day of use; if using light rail, validation, as well as sales, occur at the fare vending machines. Major events tend to create heavy traffic at METRO fare vending machines.

An all-day pass provides round-trip service or more in one day. An all-day pass costs $2.50 through the end of June. July 1 initiates the regional fare increase making an all-day pass $3.50.

Where

Buy online at http://www.valleymetro.org/fares_and_passes/fare_purchase/. Online sales will be mailed to the recipient.

Buy in person from the following transit centers:

Central Station

Central Avenue and Van Buren Street

Open Monday through Friday 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Tempe Transportation Center
Fifth Street and Forest Avenue
Open Monday through Saturday 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

When

Online sales of the pre-validated July 4th all-day pass will be accepted through Saturday, June 27. In-person sales can occur through Friday, July 3.

Source: Metro Light Rail

METRO Board approves weekend service extension

The METRO Board of Directors approved a measure that will extend METRO’s service hours on Friday night/Saturday morning and Saturday night/Sunday morning until past 2 a.m. The measure was brought before the Board as result of both passenger feedback and input from businesses along the line.

Beginning as early as July 1, METRO will offer its last full trip of the day at 2 a.m. Saturday and Sunday mornings, arriving at the opposite end of the line at 3 p.m. METRO will continue to provide 20-minute service in this extended period.

The estimated fiscal and maintenance impact for extended weekend service is $254,500 annually to the METRO operating budget.

The Board also stipulated that an evaluation of ridership and costs associated with the service extension occur after six months.

Source: Metro Light Rail

Thank you to METRO’s one million+ riders in April

Launch of “One in One Million” contest!

METRO exceeded one million riders in April with 1,044,135 total boardings. “This is a significant milestone for a transit agency,” said METRO CEO Rick Simonetta. “We’re sincerely appreciative of our riders for making light rail a part of their lives.”

To put the spotlight on the millions of METRO riders, today marks the launch of a contest to hear their stories; one will be rewarded.

METRO’s “One in One Million” contest asks passengers to share a positive experience from on board a METRO train or station area. The stories will be posted online in June for the public to enjoy. One entrant will be randomly selected at the end of May to receive behind-the-scenes access of METRO. The winner will also receive 30, all-day transit passes and a gift bag of METRO apparel and other goodies. Visit www.metrolightrail.org/onemillion for the entry form and greater detail.

Also in April, METRO achieved an average weekday ridership of 37,386, average Saturday ridership of 32,720 and average Sunday and holiday ridership of 22,694.

The following chart displays the ridership projections developed during METRO planning, actual ridership averages and the percentage increases over the projections.

Ridership Projection
Average Actual Ridership (Jan. – Apr.)
Percentage Over Projection

Weekday
26,000
34,484
32.6%

Saturday
20,800
31,021
49.1%

Sunday/Holiday
11,267
21,740
92.9%

METRO will continue to monitor ridership and report new totals on a monthly basis; numbers will be available by the middle of the subsequent month. Boardings by station reports will be available on a quarterly basis.

Source: Metro Light Rail

Arizona State University Commencement and Arizona Dbacks game - METRO May 13, 2009 service plan‏

METRO will run all available trains to service ASU Commencement goers, Arizona Diamondbacks’ fans and light rail commuters on Wednesday, May 13.

While system capacity will be maximized, passengers should expect crowds on board the trains and at METRO park-and-rides and delays.

METRO requests that passengers be patient, plan ahead and give themselves more time to travel to their destination.

ASU attendees

METRO is a convenient way to get to and from Sun Devil Stadium for the commencement ceremony. Below are the details needed for a more informed and smooth roundtrip:

METRO will operate regular service until 6 p.m. All guests have been encouraged by ASU to arrive no later than 5 p.m.; gates open as early as 1:30 p.m.

Westbound passengers coming from the East Valley should de-board at the University Dr./Rural light rail station.

Eastbound passengers coming from the North or West Valley should de-board at the Veterans Way/College light rail station.

Bus shuttles will be provided from these stations to the stadium’s north entrance from 2:30 – 6 p.m. Shuttles are for ticketed passengers only.

Walking is also a viable option. The walk from either station to the entrance is approximately three-fourths of a mile, potentially as quick as waiting for a bus shuttle. ASU volunteers and signage will provide direction to the entrance.

For attendees that arrive at either station after 6 p.m., shuttles to the stadium will no longer be in operation; walking becomes the only option.

From 6 – 9:30 p.m., METRO is prohibited from operating between the Veterans Way/College and University Dr./Rural stations, or in front of Sun Devil Stadium, due to security restrictions. Bus shuttles will provide a temporary bridge between the two stations.

By the end of commencement, METRO will return to regular service. No shuttle service will be provided post-event; however, the stadium’s south entrance will be open.

For more on ASU Commencement, visit http://graduation.asu.edu/announcements.

Dbacks attendees

Diamondbacks game attendees planning to use light rail will travel during the peak commencement arrival and departure periods (depending on when the game ends).

METRO encourages fans to allow for more time to get to and leave from Chase Field. More patience will be required unless passengers elect to travel to the game before 3 p.m. and from the game after 10:30 p.m.

For East Valley fans who will ride to the game after 6 p.m., expect a delay as a result of the bus bridge between the University Dr./Rural and Veterans Way/College stations. Passengers will be asked to get off at University/Rural station, board a bus that will transport them to the next station at Veterans/College where they can continue their light rail trip.

Game begins at 6:40 p.m.

Commuters

Afternoon commuters can expect a regular service level until 6 p.m., but crowds and delays should be assumed.

From 6 – 9:30 p.m., commuters can expect a delay as a result of the bus bridge between the University Dr./Rural and Veterans Way/College stations. Passengers will be asked to get off at either station, board a bus that will transport them to the next station where they can continue their light rail trip.

Parking

METRO park-and-ride lots are free to use on a first-come, first-serve basis:

Montebello/19th Avenue
19th Avenue/Camelback
Central Avenue/Camelback
38th Street/Washington
Dorsey Lane/Apache Blvd
McClintock Drive/Apache Blvd
Price 101 Freeway/Apache Blvd
Sycamore/Main Street

If any of the lots become full, please try the next closest park-and-ride. For example, if the park-and-ride at Sycamore/Main St. reaches capacity, try the Price 101 Freeway/Apache Blvd. park-and-ride – it typically has greater availability.

METRO and its city partners have identified overflow parking opportunities along the line for this date only:

Park Central Mall at Earll Dr., west of Central Ave. – designated “retail only parking” spaces

38th St./Washington – east side of 38th St. and the METRO park-and-ride; Gateway Community College parking lot

Price 101 Freeway/Apache – southeast of the METRO park-and-ride, accessible using the same entrance

Notes

The peak ridership periods for these events will be from 3 – 7 p.m. and 9 – 11 p.m. Passengers should expect standing room only on board the trains, crowds at the stations and park-and-rides and the potential for waiting for more than one train or bus shuttle.

Event goers should purchase an all-day pass for roundtrip service. An all-day pass eliminates the need to wait in a second line to buy another single ride pass when leaving the event. Platinum Pass/U-Pass users, validate before each ride.

All plans related to ASU Commencement and METRO’s service for this event are subject to change.

Source: Phoenix Metro Rail

phoenix rail

phoenix light rail schedule

Partial Street Restriction (near 85012 and 85013)

Reason:

City of Phoenix Water Services Department Waterline Project

Location:

Osborn Road - Central Avenue to 7th Street

Source: City of Phoenix

METRO ridership in March tops previous months

For March 2009, METRO ridership totals 972,962 boardings – the highest monthly total since the system’s opening. The average weekday ridership is 34,376, average Saturday ridership is 28,537 and average Sunday and holiday ridership is 20,508.

In February, METRO ridership totaled 908,052 boardings, resulting in an average weekday ridership of 35,277, average Saturday ridership of 31,417 and average Sunday and holiday ridership of 19,212.

METRO will continue to monitor ridership and report new totals on a monthly basis; numbers will be available by the middle of the subsequent month. Detailed reports of boardings by station will be available by mid-April for the first quarter 2009 and on a quarterly basis thereafter.

Source: Metro Light Rail

METRO to serve Arizona Diamondbacks fans

Free parking at METRO park-and-rides

If you take METRO light rail to an Arizona Diamondbacks game, METRO will provide a return trip, even in the event of extra innings. METRO encourages the use of light rail and its free park-and-rides to attend Arizona Diamondbacks home games.

In working with the venue, METRO will understand game attendance and progression to have return service planned appropriately.

Upon a game’s dismissal, trains will be queued to take passengers east or westbound from the 3rd Street stations. Third Street/Washington is the westbound platform; 3rd Street/Jefferson is the eastbound platform. Attendees are urged to arrive at the station immediately following the game’s close.

METRO staff will be present for the first week and a half of the Diamondbacks season to assist passengers with safe and seamless return trips.

Passengers are encouraged to purchase an all-day pass when they first board or use existing fare media (i.e. a 3-day, 7-day, 31-day pass or Platinum Pass) to save time. An all-day pass or more eliminates the need to wait in line to buy another single ride pass when leaving the event.

For more on how to ride METRO, visit the online Ride Guide at http://www.valleymetro.org/images/uploads/lightrail_publications/METRO-Ride-Guide-web.pdf.

Note: METRO’s regular service hours across the 20-mile line are not being extended with this news release. METRO is supporting the games and game patrons with extra service as is required.

Source: Metro Light Rail

METRO ridership continues positive in February

For February 2009, METRO ridership totals 908,052 boardings, resulting in an average weekday ridership of 35,277, average Saturday ridership of 31,417 and average Sunday and holiday ridership of 19,212.

In January, METRO ridership totaled 911,883 boardings, resulting in an average weekday ridership of 30,617, average Saturday ridership of 31,331 and average Sunday and holiday ridership of 23,815.

METRO forecasted an annual average weekday ridership of 26,000 boardings in its first year. “We hope to exceed that projection by continuing to attract new transit users and maintaining our positive relationship with existing passengers,” said METRO CEO Rick Simonetta.

METRO will continue to monitor ridership and report new totals on a monthly basis; numbers will be available by the middle of the subsequent month. Detailed reports of boardings by station and time of day will be available mid- to late-April for the first quarter 2009 and on a quarterly basis thereafter.

Source: Metro Rail

METRO ridership off to a positive start

For January 2009, METRO ridership totals 911,883 boardings, resulting in an average weekday ridership of 30,617, average Saturday ridership of 31,331 and average Sunday and holiday ridership of 23,815.

“We are delighted with the community’s response to the system and their turn out. We hope to see this success continue with more and more people integrating light rail into their transportation plans,” said Councilman Tom Simplot, METRO’s board chairman.

During the extensive planning for METRO, an average weekday ridership of 26,000 daily boardings was projected for its first year of operation. METRO will continue to monitor ridership and report new totals each month. “The METRO team is hard at work to provide a high level of service that keeps customers coming back to light rail,” said METRO CEO Rick Simonetta. “We are extremely pleased with these preliminary numbers and hope to see them continue to exceed our projections over the course of this first year.”

Source: Metro Rail

METRO service extension for NBA All-Star weekend

Free parking at METRO park-and-rides.

METRO will extend its service hours Feb. 13 – 15 to better support patrons of the NBA All-Star 2009. “This is a rare opportunity for the region. METRO will do all it can to encourage the use public transportation to these exciting events,” said METRO CEO Rick Simonetta.

On all three nights – Friday, Feb. 13, Saturday, Feb. 14 and Sunday, Feb. 15 – METRO will offer the last trip east or westbound from downtown Phoenix at 1 a.m.

Service frequency will not change. Patrons can expect 10-minute service on weekdays and 15-minute service on weekends between 6 a.m. – 7 p.m. After 7 p.m., METRO arrives every 20 minutes through the end of service, weeknights or weekends.

As with all special events that occur along the line, METRO promotes the use of existing fare media (a 3-day, 7-day, 31-day pass or Platinum Pass) or purchasing an all-day pass when first boarding. An all-day pass or more eliminates the need to wait in line to buy another single ride pass when leaving the special event.

For more on how to ride METRO, visit the online Ride Guide at http://www.valleymetro.org/images/uploads/lightrail_publications/METRO-Ride-Guide-web.pdf.

Source: Metro Rail

METRO encourages safe behavior with Valentine's Day promotion‏

In an effort keep safety top of mind, METRO will share its love for passengers and safety with the “Stay Safe for Your Sweetheart” Valentine’s Day promotion. On Friday, Feb. 13, morning commuters will receive chocolates and custom Valentines with clever tips for staying safe this holiday and beyond.

From 7 – 9 a.m. on Feb. 13,

METRO staff will be present at the following platforms:

Montebello/19th Avenue

Central Station (Van Buren/Central Avenue and Van Buren/1st Avenue)

University Drive/Rural Road

Sycamore/Main Street

While this event is light-hearted in nature, the safety of motorists, pedestrians and passengers around light rail continues to be the top METRO priority. Please help us share METRO safety tips including obey traffic signals, use the crosswalks, stay off the tracks and look and listen for the train. More information is available online at www.metrolightrail.org/safety.

Source: Metro Rail

METRO service enhancement for NBA All-Star weekend

METRO will extend its service hours Feb. 13 – 15 to better support patrons of the NBA All-Star 2009. “This is a rare opportunity for the region. METRO will do all it can to encourage the use public transportation to these exciting events,” said METRO CEO Rick Simonetta.

On all three nights – Friday, Feb. 13, Saturday, Feb. 14 and Sunday, Feb. 15 – METRO will offer the last trip east or westbound from downtown Phoenix at 1 a.m.

Service frequency will not change. Patrons can expect 10-minute service on weekdays and 15-minute service on weekends between 6 a.m. – 7 p.m. After 7 p.m., METRO arrives every 20 minutes through the end of service, weeknights or weekends.

As with all special events that occur along the line, METRO promotes the use of existing fare media (a 3-day, 7-day, 31-day pass or Platinum Pass) or purchasing an all-day pass when first boarding. An all-day pass or more eliminates the need to wait in line to buy another single ride pass when leaving the special event.

For more on how to ride METRO, visit the online Ride Guide at http://www.valleymetro.org/images/uploads/lightrail_publications/METRO-Ride-Guide-web.pdf.

Source: Metro Rail

METRO concerned with the Sherriff’s Office new inmate transportation plan

Since yesterday’s announcement by the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office to transport inmates on light rail, METRO has received passenger feedback expressing concern for their personal and family safety.

METRO’s goal is to provide a safe, secure and reliable journey for its passengers. Any situation that creates concern for passengers and discourages ridership is of great concern to METRO.

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.

It is anticipated that the METRO Board of Directors will consider a resolution requesting the Sherriff’s Office to reconsider this proposal in light of concerns expressed by Valley residents. METRO would welcome an opportunity to discuss with the Sherriff’s Office better solutions that meet everyone’s needs.

Source: Metro Rail

Limited Sunday service for P.F. Chang’s Rock ‘N’ Roll Marathon

In accommodation of the P.F. Chang’s Rock ‘N’ Roll Arizona Marathon and ½ Marathon on Jan. 18, METRO light rail will limit morning service to stations north of McDowell Rd. The following stations will be without light rail service until approximately 10 a.m., or until the race has cleared:

· Montebello/19th Avenue

· 19th Avenue/Camelback Road

· 7th Avenue/Camelback Road

· Central Avenue/Camelback

· Campbell/Central Avenue

· Osborn/Central Avenue

· Thomas/Central Avenue

· Encanto/Central Avenue

METRO will service the rest of the line – from McDowell/Central Avenue to Main/Sycamore – with regular service hours and additional trains and frequencies to support event patrons. METRO will offer 10-minute service before and during the race when traditional weekend frequency is every 15 minutes.

The entire line will re-open once police have indicated the marathon has cleared and it’s safe to proceed, approximately 10 a.m.

There are also significant bus detours as a result of this event. Select routes in Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tempe will be impacted. All transit riders are strongly advised to consult www.valleymetro.org or call customer service at (602) 253-5000 for route detour updates and give themselves extra time to reach their destination.

As with all special events that occur along the line, METRO promotes the use of existing fare media (a 3-day, 7-day, 31-day pass or Platinum Pass) or purchasing an all-day pass when first boarding. An all-day, 3-day, 7-day or 31-day pass only needs to be activated once; with activation, the pass is date stamped with its expiration date. An all-day pass or more eliminates the need to wait in line to buy another single ride pass when leaving the special event.

Source: Metro Rail