Friday, January 22, 2010

METRO first-year milestones


METRO light rail provided service to more than 11.3 million riders in 2009. Ridership has far exceeded first-year projections by 34 percent on weekdays, 33 percent on Saturdays and 61 percent on Sundays and holidays.

Other notable figures achieved in 2009:

The highest daily ridership occurred Dec. 31 with 53,216 riders.


The highest monthly ridership occurred in October with 1,124,924 riders.


The busiest station by boardings was Sycamore/Main in Mesa followed by Montebello/19th Ave., University Dr./Rural, Central Station and Roosevelt/Central Ave.


METRO served more than 400 major events along its line.

One-thousand daily passengers used the METRO-PHX Airport Shuttle for access to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

Other notable highlights:

Feb. 2009:
METRO installs first advertising wraps on four light rail vehicles in promotion of the NBA All-Star event.

May 2009:
METRO provides service for ASU’s spring commencement featuring President Barack Obama.

June 2009:
METRO Board of Directors approves the Central Mesa light rail extension that will connect the current system to downtown Mesa.

July 2009:
METRO initiates late-night service until past 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights.

Aug. 2009:
METRO develops an Adopt-A-Station program to better connect and serve its community. More than 60 interested parties apply to the program.

Sept. 2009:
METRO receives the top honor at Valley Forward’s 29th Annual Environmental Excellence Awards.

Oct. 2009:
METRO launches an innovative ticket partnership with US Airways Center where your event ticket serves as your light rail pass.

Oct. 2009:
METRO enters into an agreement with CBS Outdoor to administer the METRO advertising program at stations and on trains.

Dec. 2009:
METRO hires new CEO, Stephen R. Banta, who started on Jan. 20, 2010. Rick Simonetta leaves the post after six years as CEO.

About METRO

METRO is responsible for the development and operation of the region’s high-capacity transit system. The first 20-mile light rail line opened Dec. 27, 2008 and served 11.3 million riders in 2009. Ridership exceeds projections by 34 percent on weekdays and fairs as well or better on Saturdays and Sundays. METRO will continue to refine its 20-mile operation, while also planning for 37 miles of future extensions.

Source: Metro Light Rail

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

METRO service impact on Jan. 17 due to P.F. Chang’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon


In accommodation of the P.F. Chang’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon and ½ Marathon on Sunday, Jan. 17, METRO light rail will not provide morning service to stations north of McDowell Rd. The following stations will be without 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

· Indian School/Central Avenue

· Osborn/Central Avenue

· Thomas/Central Avenue

· Encanto/Central Avenue

METRO will provide service to the rest of the line – McDowell/Central Avenue through Main/Sycamore – beginning at 5 a.m. METRO will offer 12-15 minute service before and during the race when traditional Sunday frequency is every 20 minutes. Additional trains will be deployed based on the demand at the race finish area in Tempe. The entire line will re-open once police have indicated the marathon has cleared and it is 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 http://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 encourages the purchase of an all-day pass when first boarding for round trip service. An all-day or more pass eliminates the need to wait in line to buy another single ride fare when leaving the special event. Single ride fares should only be used when traveling one way. All pass types can be purchased at fare vending machines located at each station. They accept cash, credit, debit and change.

For more information, visit the “Need to Know” section of
www.metrolightrail.org.

Source: Metro Light Rail