METRO, US Airways Center, Phoenix Suns renew ticket partnership‏

METRO, US Airways Center, Phoenix Suns renew ticket partnership
In celebration, scavenger hunt and prize to take place over the weekend

PHOENIX — METRO light rail, US Airways Center and the Phoenix Suns announced today the renewal of the “Rail Ride Event” program. The program, originally launched in October 2009, allows consumers who purchase a ticket to any event at US Airways Center to ride METRO light rail at no additional cost, on the day of the event.

Through Rail Ride, METRO recognizes US Airways Center event tickets 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. This innovative ticket partnership between METRO and US Airways Center has been renewed for an additional five years with action taken by the METRO Board of Directors yesterday (Wednesday, May 19).

“This program is a slam dunk! It’s an easy way for event-goers to enhance their downtown experience by using light rail,” said METRO Board Chairman and Phoenix Councilman Tom Simplot. “We’re thrilled and proud to have such great partners as the US Airways Center and Phoenix Suns.”

In September 2009, the METRO Board approved a one-year program with US Airways Center to combine event and light rail ticketing. The agreement was established to cover the 2009-2010 Phoenix Suns and Mercury seasons as well as all other ticketed events at US Airways Center, including the many concerts and family shows. The program has proven effective in recovering necessary fare revenue and providing customers with an additional amenity. The program’s renewal will be effective through June 2015.

“US Airways Center and the Phoenix Suns are extremely pleased with our one-year pilot Rail Ride Event program,” said Rick Welts, President and CEO of the Phoenix Suns. “The feedback we have received from our season ticket holders and guest has been overwhelmingly positive and we look forward to extending our relationship.”

Scavenger hunt and prize

To celebrate, METRO and US Airways Center invite fans and riders alike to take part in a scavenger hunt to have a chance to win US Airways Center event tickets. Taking place Friday, May 21 – Sunday, May 23, the scavenger hunt along the METRO system will task participants with finding letters, that when unscrambled, reveal a secret word. Submit the correct word by Monday, May 24 at noon to be put in the running for the grand prize. The grand prize includes all of the following:

· Four (4) lower level tickets to Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus (June 23-27, 2010)

· Two (2) suite tickets to Lady Gaga (July 31, 2010)

· Two (2) suite tickets to Christina Aguilera (August 14, 2010)

· Four (4) lower level tickets to a 2010 Phoenix Mercury home game (game based on availability)

· Four (4) lower level tickets to a 2010-2011 Phoenix Suns home game (game based on availability)

For more information on how to participate in the Rail Ride scavenger hunt, including station clues, visit METRO’s Facebook page (keyword: metro light rail).

For more information on the Rail Ride Event program, see attached fact sheet or visit http://www.valleymetro.org/metro_light_rail/how_to_ride/rail_ride_events/.

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, exceeding all first-year ridership projections. METRO will continue to refine its 20-mile operation, while also planning for 37 miles of future extensions.

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

METRO ridership reaches its high in April‏

METRO light rail has achieved record ridership in April with the most riders in one month, in one day and the highest average weekday ridership since the system’s opening in December 2008.

METRO served 1,208,924 total riders in April 2010, resulting in an average weekday ridership of 44,932, average Saturday ridership of 34,533 and average Sunday and holiday ridership of 20,573. These numbers break the previous record set in March 2010 that saw ridership of 1.16 million and an average weekday of 41,413. 2010 ridership is accelerating past totals achieved in 2009.

METRO also received its highest ridership day on record with 55,679 riders on Monday, April 5, 2010, the date of the Arizona Diamondbacks 2010 season home opener.

Complete ridership information, including a comparison of 2009 vs. 2010 ridership, is available online at http://www.metrolightrail.org/, click on “Newsroom.”

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, exceeding all first-year ridership projections. METRO will continue to refine its 20-mile operation, while also planning for 37 miles of future extensions.

Source: Metro Light Rail

Public Transit Department asks users on feedback about proposed budget‏

PHOENIX PUBLIC TRANSIT NEEDS FEEDBACK ON NEW BUDGET CUTS

Feedback will shape response to state funding cuts totaling approx. $11 million

The Phoenix Public Transit Department is soliciting public feedback on new budget cuts required because of actions taken to balance the State of Arizona budget. The department will hold community outreach events in each of Phoenix’s eight council districts to get residents’ opinions of possible service reductions. The public can also provide input online through an online survey at www.phoenix.gov/publictransit or by e-mailing pubtrans@phoenix.gov with the subject line “Budget Cuts Feedback.”

In the budget passed by the legislature in March, a sweep of the Local Transportation Assistance Funds (LTAF) cost the City of Phoenix approximately $11 million over the remainder of this fiscal year and next year, 2010-11. These new reductions are in addition to service changes approved in the city budget adopted in March by the Phoenix City Council. These new reductions could affect all city transit services, including local bus routes and RAPID routes, as well as Dial-a-Ride service.

Options for changes to service include elimination or service reduction of certain bus routes; reduction of Dial-a-Ride service to federally-mandated minimums; and partial reduction or complete elimination of the Phoenix Neighborhood Circulator program, a free transit service that travels through communities, and connects residents to schools, shops and other public services. Public Transit Department staff will be asking for feedback from the public at the following events, and will also be available to answer questions.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH SCHEDULE

Tuesday, March 30, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Pecos Community Center
17010 S. 48th Street

Thursday, April 1, 9:30 a.m.
Public Transit Department Offices, 4th Floor
302 N. First Ave.

Tuesday, April 6, 7:30 – 9:30 a.m.
Sunnyslope Transit Center (courtyard)
8927 N. 3rd St.

Wednesday, April 7, 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Bret Tarver Learning Center
1516 N. 35th Ave.

Thursday, April 8, 7:30 - 9:30 a.m.
MetrocenterTransitCenter
9415 N. Metro Parkway

Thursday, April 8, 3:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Ed PastorTransitCenter
10 W. Broadway Rd.

Thursday, April 8, 5 - 7 p.m.
Agave Public Library
23550 N. 36th Ave.

Monday, April 12, 7:30 - 9:30 a.m.
Paradise Valley Mall Transit Center
4623 E. Paradise Village Parkway North

Monday, April 12, 4 - 6 p.m.
Hope VI CTEC
1150 S. 7th Ave.

Monday, April 12, 5:30 - 7 p.m.
Paradise Valley Community Center
17402 N. 40th St.

Tuesday, April 13, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Cowden Center - John C. Lincoln Hospital
9202 N. 2nd St.

Tuesday, April 13, 6 - 8 p.m.
Desert Sky Mall (meeting room near Cinema Latina)
761 W. Thomas Rd.

Wednesday, April 14, 7:30 - 9:30 a.m.
Central Station
Central Ave. & Van Buren St.

For more information, call Phoenix Public Transit at 602-262-7242, or visit www.phoenix.gov/publictransit or e-mail pubtrans@phoenix.gov.

Source: Phoenix Public Transit

Provide input on potential METRO service changes‏

Provide input on potential METRO service changes

PHOENIX — Two public meetings are scheduled to hear rider input on service change options for METRO light rail. Any changes would occur in July 2010.

Tues., March 2, 6 – 8 p.m.
METRO light rail boardroom
101 N. 1st Ave., Ste. 1300, Phoenix
Closest station: Washington/Central Ave. (westbound) or Van Buren/1st Ave. (eastbound)

Tues., March 9, 6 – 8 p.m.
Tempe Transportation Center
Don Cassano Community Room
200 E. Fifth St., Tempe
Closest station: Veterans Way/College Ave.

Changes are being considered to address a decline in sales tax revenue as a result of the slow economy. Sales tax revenue is the largest funding source for transit service Valleywide; fare revenue supports the balance of operating costs at approximately 25 percent. While METRO ridership has surpassed all first-year projections, riders’ fare revenue contribution cannot keep up with the drop in sales tax collections.

Public input will help METRO and its member cities determine the fiscal year 2010 – 11 METRO operating budget and schedule. The budget is scheduled for Board approval in the May timeframe with any changes occurring on July 26, 2010.

Review the service change options and other opportunities for comment at http://www.metrolightrail.org/.

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

Phoenix General Plan Update - We need your help!‏

Many of you may have been wondering what is happening with the Phoenix General Plan Update. We received a lot of input from the community during the months of October and November, but also noticed that attendance at our workshops dropped off. After taking a look at the input, it was determined that a community dialogue is needed so that all interested parties can hear the diverse comments received and help create a shared vision (or visions) for Phoenix.

The community dialogue will be held on March 6th from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm at PhoenixCity Hall with the primary purpose being to develop a vision or visions for Phoenix by answering the question “Where do we want to go?” This would be followed by a second workshop in May that focuses on the question “How do we get there?” The second workshop will allow participants to develop action items based upon the visions created at the first workshop.

We won’t be able to make progress on either of these questions without active participation from people who care about the future of Phoenix. Could this be you?

If you would like to be help chart the course of Phoenix for up to the next 50 years, please send you name and contact information to Carol Johnson, Planning Manager, at carol.johnson@phoenix.gov. Space is limited to the first 120 people who respond, and the deadline is Wednesday, February 24th. You will receive confirmation of your attendance by Friday, February 26th. Please contact Carol Johnson at 602-261-8289, if you have any questions.

IMPORTANT - When you respond, please let us know which 3 visions in the table below are most interesting to you. These statements were developed by looking at the feedback from the village visioning meetings in October and November, and identifying which words or phrases were mentioned most often. There will be individual discussion groups devoted to 12 of these visions areas, and your choices will help us determine which areas are addressed. We will make our best efforts to assign you to a group discussing one of your top 3 vision areas.

FOCUS AREA - COMMUNITY

(VISIONS)

Strong Community Identity
Dense City Core(s)
Superior Governance
Top Education
High Safety
Strong Neighborhoods

FOCUS AREA - ECONOMY

(VISIONS)

Strong Businesses
Smart Government
Innovative Education
Technology Leader
High Economic Diversity
High Employment Opportunities

FOCUS AREA - INFRASTRUCTURE

(VISIONS)

Enhanced Roads/Highways
Comprehensive Mass Transit
Exemplary Water/Canal Use
Abundant Alternative Transit
Green Development
Strong Airport(s)

FOCUS AREA - ENVIRONMENT

(VISIONS)

High Open Space
Low Pollution
Abundant Alternative Energy
Responsible Water Use
High Vegetation
Sustainability Planning

Thank you for your interest in making Phoenix the best it can be!

Source: City of Phoenix

METRO is open for advertising with first train wrap

PHOENIX — METRO light rail and advertising program administrator, CBS Outdoor, have earned their first sale with a train wrap by Grand Canyon University. The wrapped vehicle will makes its launch as early as Sunday, Feb. 14 and will be out in service for the next six months.

The METRO Board of Directors amended the agency advertising policy to permit sales of vehicle wraps, vehicle floor decals, station wraps and station display case advertising in July 2009. METRO finalized an agreement with CBS Outdoor to sell the advertising inventory in October.

Progress photos of the train wrap installation will be available this afternoon on METRO’s Facebook page.

To advertise with METRO, contact Brent Wood or Phil Calihan at CBS Outdoor at (602) 246-9569 or via email at brent.wood@cbsoutdoor.com or phil.calihan@cbsoutdoor.com. More information on the METRO advertising program can be found online at www.metrolightrail.org/advertising.

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

Public Transit Department asks users on feedback about proposed budget‏

Share your views on Phoenix Public Transit's proposed budget

Visit a city budget hearing, or respond online to changes affecting local bus, Dial-A-Ride and light rail.

The Public Transit Department is soliciting comment on its proposals for the citywide 2010-11 budget. A series of public hearings will present proposed changes to the city of Phoenix budget; included in the presentation to the public are proposed changes to transit service within the city of Phoenix set to occur on July 26, 2010.

The proposed changes may impact fixed-route bus service, para-transit service, and light rail service by a reduction in operating hours and frequency of service and elimination of bus routes. Information about the city budget and hearing dates, times and locations, is available at www.phoenix.gov/budget

Public comment is encouraged. You may fill out a comment form at www.phoenix.gov/publictransit/svtransit.html.

Letters can be sent to the Public Transit Department: “July 2010 Transit Service Changes,” City of Phoenix Public Transit Department, 302 N First Ave., Suite 900, Phoenix, AZ 85003, or you can email comments to PubTrans@Phoenix.gov until 5:00 p.m. Wednesday February 24, 2010. This information can be provided in an alternate format upon request. For reasonable accommodations please call Don Phillips as early as possible to coordinate needed arrangements.

Source: Metro Light Rail