Thursday, August 27, 2009

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

Monday, August 24, 2009

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

Friday, August 14, 2009

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

Monday, August 3, 2009

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