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It is 100 degrees, let the cooling begin at the NRG solar-powered light rail station.
Earlier than scheduled, passengers can now take advantage of a cool wait
PHOENIX, AZ — At the 3rd St./Washington light rail station in downtown Phoenix, passengers can now enjoy the chill of a solar-powered cooling system as they wait for the next train. The system, which launched last summer, is being activated earlier than scheduled due to the heat spike. The system typically operates May 1 – September 30.
Via a public-private partnership between the City of Phoenix, METRO light rail and NRG Energy, Inc., the company’s NRG Thermal and NRG Solar subsidiaries built the innovative system using solar power and the company’s downtown district cooling system. The district cooling system also air-conditions such prominent downtown facilities as Chase Field, Symphony Hall and the Phoenix Convention Center.
The 3rd St./Washington station is a highly-trafficked platform thanks to the busyness of downtown Phoenix and especially during Arizona Diamondbacks games. The station features push buttons near each seating area that provides blasts of cool air on demand.
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 December 2008 and served 13.2 million riders in 2011, exceeding the prior year by four percent. METRO serves an average of 40,000 riders per weekday. It is also planning for six extensions that will create a 57-mile system by 2031.
About NRG
NRG is at the forefront of changing how people think about and use energy. A Fortune 500 company, NRG is a pioneer in developing cleaner and smarter energy choices for our customers: whether as one of the largest solar power developers in the country, or by building the first privately funded electric vehicle charging infrastructure or by giving customers the latest smart energy solutions to better manage their energy use. Our power generating facilities can support over 20 million homes and our retail electricity providers—Reliant, Green Mountain Energy Company and Energy Plus—serve more than two million customers. More information is available at http://www.nrgenergy.com.
Source Metro Light Rail
Date: Sunday, March 11, 2012
Strike Status: A strike has been called by the Amalgamated Transit Union local 1433 against their employer Veolia Transportation Services for their contracts with the cities of Phoenix and Tempe. The affected Valley Metro bus routes may have reduced service or no service depending on the number of drivers and backup-drivers available to Veolia.
Schedule / Buses Running: Sunday schedules are in effect as of now; buses may not run a full schedule today. The percentage of Veolia Transportation Services buses for Phoenixrunning is at 24% of scheduled services. On the regular schedule, buses would start at different times in the day and operators are scheduled on shifts. The impact to bus service will change throughout the day.
Background: Veolia / Phoenix Bus operators represented by the union drive 31 of the 101 Valley Metro bus routes in the regional system. Adding in Veolia / Tempe bus operators brings the number of routes up 19 to a total of 50 of the 101 Valley Metro bus routes.
Contingency Schedule: No weekday contingency schedule in effect.
Passenger Information: Bus schedules on line at http://www.ValleyMetro.org or by calling Valley Metro customer service at (602) 253-5000 during business hours.
A summary of service operated as of this advisory is listed below:
Veolia Transportation Services (VTS)
Route Description Service Level
0 Central Avenue Reduced
8 7th Avenue Reduced
First Transit
Route Description Service Level
29 Thomas Road Normal
41 Indian School Road Normal
For updates:
Follow Phoenix Public Transit on Twitter @PhoenixMetroBus
http://www.phoenix.gov/publictransit
http://www.facebook.com/cityofphoenix
Source: Phoenix Public Transit
1930s Transit Tokens Sold Out at Phoenix Transit Centers
Phoenix Public Transit announced today that it has run out of the historic transit tokens it was selling as a part of Arizona's centennial celebration. The token sale was also meant to celebrate the City of Phoenix milestone of 125 years of continuous public transit service. 3,000 tokens were sold, starting on Jan. 3, 2012.
The 1930s tokens date back to when buses and electric streetcars operated under the name Phoenix Street Railway. Cash was the common form of payment for a ride but tokens could be used as a handy substitute as they were always good for one fare.
For more information on the tokens and to print off a Phoenix Street Railway token certificate of information, go to http://www.phoenix.gov/publictransit/historictokens.html.
Source: City of Phoenix Public Transit Department
The Phoenix Public Transit Department is notifying riders of changes to City of Phoenix Valley Metro bus routes, effective on Jan. 23, 2012.
The changes are listed below:
Local bus routes 0-Central Ave. and 8-7th Ave. will have service modified in south Phoenix to accommodate the 77-Baseline Road extension.
More information on bus service changes, including route and schedule information, is available at http://www.valleymetro.org, or by calling 602-253-5000.
Source: Metro Light Rail
METRO light rail served 13.2 million riders in 2011, an increase of four percent over 2010. On average, 40,712 riders traveled using light rail on weekdays, 31,008 on Saturdays and 20,930 on Sundays/holidays.
“Our ridership continues to grow—2011 ridership exceeded the record set in 2010,” said METRO CEO Steve Banta. “More and more of the Valley is opting in to public transit. We look forward to working more collaboratively with regional partners in 2012 to make the transit trip even easier and more appealing for riders.”
Other notable highlights of 2011:
Generated $383,000 in system advertising across 2011; approximately 25 percent over budget.
Completed the ARRA-funded, 123-space park-and-ride lot at 7th Avenue and Camelback Road in March, which included shade canopies at this and two existing park-and-ride lots.
Launched a solar-cooled light rail station at 3rd Street/Washington in partnership with NRG and the City of Phoenix in July.
Served nearly 200,000 riders during Major League Baseball’s All-Star week with five, full All-Star train wraps and took part in the All-Star Red Carpet Parade.
Developed a mobile website in conjunction with Local First Arizona that shares the locally-owned restaurants and retail within a half-mile of the line.
Received environmental clearance in July and $35.5 million in the FY 2012 federal appropriations bill signed in November for the 3.1-mile Central Mesa light rail extension.
Determined 13 stop locations and several street configurations for the 2.6-mile Tempe Streetcar project.
Received a $1 million federal grant to conduct a 24-month Alternatives Analysis on the South Central Phoenix corridor.
Received a $2.7 million TIGGER (Transit Investments for Greenhouse Gas and Energy Reduction) grant award for a solar shade structure at the maintenance facility.
For more detailed information on METRO 2011 ridership, click here for the annual ridership report.
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 December 2008 and served 13.2 million riders in 2011, exceeding the prior year by four percent. METRO serves an average of 40,000 riders per weekday. It is also planning for six extensions that will create a 57-mile system by 2031.
METRO light rail will operate a Sunday schedule on the observed holidays for Christmas Day, Monday, Dec. 26, and New Year’s Day, Monday, Jan. 2. Trains arrive every 20 minutes on Sundays and holidays. Buses will also operate using a Sunday schedule.
On Christmas Eve, Saturday, Dec. 24, METRO will operate a regular schedule, but without late-night service; trains will complete their last full trip from the end-of-line stations at 11 p.m.
For the Insight Bowl on Friday, Dec. 30, and New Year’s Eve, Saturday, Dec. 31, METRO will run regular service with additional trains to support pre- and post-event crowds. On Friday and Saturday nights, trains complete their last full trip from the end-of-line stations at 2 a.m. (the following morning).
Please use the below chart as reference:
Holiday/Special Event
Christmas Eve – Saturday, Dec. 24
Regular – no late-night service
Christmas Day (Observed) – Monday, Dec. 26
Sunday/Holiday service
Insight Bowl – Friday, Dec. 30
Regular – Enhanced to serve special event service
New Year’s Eve – Saturday, Dec. 31
Regular – Enhanced to serve special event service
New Year’s Day (Observed) – Monday, Jan. 2
Sunday/Holiday service
For more information, contact Customer Service at 602-253-5000, email info@metrolightrail.org or click here for METRO’s regular service schedule.
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 December 2008 and served 11.3 million riders in 2009, exceeding all first-year ridership projections by 45 percent. METRO continues to serve an average of 41,000 daily riders and refine its 20-mile operation. It is also planning for six extensions that will create a 57-mile system by 2031.
Source: Metro Light Rail
To spread holiday cheer and show continued gratitude to riders, METRO light rail will release a specially-decorated holiday train into service on Friday, Dec. 9. It will stay in service through Sunday, Dec. 18.
The train will be adorned inside and out with seasonal décor promoting the idea of holiday shopping along light rail. To discover hidden, locally-owned restaurant and retail gems along METRO, visit m.shiftarizona.com from your smart phone or home computer. This site was developed in partnership with Local First Arizona to help residents understand how and where to spend local this holiday season and year-round.
Follow the Holiday Train on @METROrail’s Twitter using hashtag #trackthetrain. Send us your photos when you catch a glimpse or as you’re on board. Your photo submission enters you to win holiday giveaways.
Note: The METRO Holiday Train is a regular service train; fares are required to ride.
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 December 2008 and served 11.3 million riders in 2009, exceeding all first-year ridership projections by 45 percent. METRO continues to serve an average of 41,000 daily riders and refine its 20-mile operation. It is also planning for six extensions that will create a 57-mile system by 2031.
Source: Metro Light Rail
METRO light rail and Valley Metro/RPTA have each received a TIGGER III (Transit Investments for Greenhouse Gas and Energy Reduction) grant award together totaling more than $4 million for energy-saving projects. Forty-six total projects were selected nationwide following a review of more than 250 applications.
METRO will use its $2.7 million grant to build a solar shade canopy to cover stored light rail vehicles at the Operations and Maintenance Center. The canopy will cover an expanse of 142,000 square feet and provide crucial shading to light rail vehicles while also generating enough electricity to satisfy nearly 100 percent of the maintenance facility’s power needs. METRO will seek private sector support to develop the project.
Valley Metro is being awarded $1.3 million to retrofit as many as 70 buses with an innovative electric engine cooling fan system that is cost effective and lowers pollutant emissions. Energy savings are anticipated with a nine percent reduction in fuel consumption. The original idea for the cooling system is developed from military vehicles and now being applied to transit buses.
“We appreciate the support from the FTA to innovate transit operations in the Valley,” said METRO CEO Steve Banta. “The infusion of federal dollars will put people to work as well as generate long-term operational cost savings. Transit investment is a solution to the stalled economy.”
TIGGER is a Federal Transit Administration competitive grant program that supports transit capital investments that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and/or energy use. The FTA seeks out projects that enhance operational efficiencies, demonstrate innovation and help achieve agency and federal sustainability goals.
For more information on the TIGGER III grant program and Fiscal Year 2011 award recipients, visit http://www.fta.dot.gov/newsroom/12286_14099.html.
Photos are available upon request.
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 December 2008 and served 12.6 million riders in 2010, exceeding the prior year by 11 percent. METRO serves an average of 40,000 riders each weekday while also planning for six extensions that will create a 57-mile system by 2031.
About Valley Metro/RPTA
Valley Metro RPTA provides eco-friendly public transit options to residents of greater Phoenix and Maricopa County, including a clean-fuel bus fleet, low-emissions light rail, a bio-diesel Dial-a-Ride fleet, online carpool matching and bus trip mapping, bicycle safety and telework assistance. Funding is provided by local and federal revenues. A board of 16 governments sets the policy direction for the agency and works to improve and regionalize the public transit system.
Source: Metro Light Rail
What
Public transit says “thanks” to Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon
Friends of Transit, a nonprofit group that educates Greater Phoenix on the value of mass transit, will host an event to thank outgoing Phoenix mayor, Phil Gordon, for his dedication and passion for transit in the Valley. During his tenure, transit services have expanded to more of the Valley, including the addition of 20 miles of light rail. He appreciates and has tirelessly promoted the connection between effective transportation solutions and quality of life for his residents.
The Mayor will be presented with a few surprises to show the community’s gratitude for his eight years of support.
When
Monday, November 14, 2011
10:30 – 11 a.m.
Where
Central Station – closer to the 1st Ave./Van Buren light rail platform
Who
Speakers to include:
•Phoenix Councilman and METRO Board Chairman Tom Simplot
•Friends of Transit Chairwoman Yvonne Hunter
•METRO CEO Steve Banta
•Certainly, Mayor Gordon, post-surprise!
More
For more information on Friends of Transit, visit http://friendsoftransit.org/.
Source: Metro Light Rail
Breaking the record set in September 2011
PHOENIX, AZ — METRO light rail saw its highest ridership on record in September 2011, only to have the record broke again one month later. METRO had 1,258,711 total boardings in October, an eight percent increase over October 2010 and the highest in the system’s history.
“The increase can be attributed to a number of different factors including a large number of conventions, the Arizona Diamondbacks reaching the playoffs and Arizona State University football drawing a crowd,” said METRO CEO Steve Banta. “But it’s not solely events, it’s positive growth in response to good, quality service.”
METRO served a total of 55 special events, within a half-mile of the line, with an estimated attendance of 603,500. The events range from conventions, to concerts, to charity walks and festivals. The Arizona Diamondbacks had two home playoff games in October; however, the Phoenix Suns have yet to initiate their season, which typically starts in October.
METRO averaged 45,867 daily weekday riders in October; 36,725 daily riders on Saturdays; and 22,376 on Sundays. The Saturday average is also the highest on record.
Click here for complete METRO ridership information.
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 December 2008 and served 12.6 million riders in 2010, exceeding the prior year by 11 percent. METRO serves an average of 40,000 riders each weekday while also planning for six extensions that will create a 57-mile system by 2031.
Source: Metro Light Rail
METRO will host the ameriTRAM (TM) modern streetcar vehicle to show the local community what streetcar is and the value this mode will bring with the development of the Tempe Streetcar project in the Mill Avenue corridor.Attendees will have the opportunity to walk on this vehicle and talk with staff about this transit mode and the Tempe Streetcar project. This is a free event and all are welcome!Sunday, September 188 a.m. – 12 p.m. – stop by anytimeVeterans Way/College light rail stationManufactured by Kinkisharyo, the ameriTRAM (TM) offers hybrid technology where both overhead electricity and battery power are used to propel the vehicle. However, this is just one example of a modern streetcar vehicle. METRO will conduct a formal search for the Tempe Streetcar vehicle in 2012.Tempe Streetcar will be the region’s first introduction to modern streetcar. The line will run 2.6 miles between Rio Salado Parkway and Southern Avenue in the Mill Avenue corridor. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2013 with completion by 2016. It will be built using a mix of regional Proposition 400 and federal dollars.For more information on Tempe Streetcar, visit http://www.metrolightrail.org/tempestreetcar. For more details on the ameriTRAM (TM) vehicle, visit http://www.ameritram.com.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 December 2008 and served 12.6 million riders in 2010, exceeding the prior year by 11 percent. METRO serves an average of 40,000 riders each weekday while also planning for six extensions that will create a 57-mile system by 2031.Source: Metro Light Rail
METRO will participate with transit agencies across the country in the nationwide Moment of Remembrance at 1 p.m. EST, 10 a.m. local, to honor the victims and 10th anniversary of 9/11.
At 10 a.m. on Sunday, METRO trains will pause and ring their bells for 30 seconds. Train operators will provide advance warning. METRO stations will also display an announcement sharing “9/11 – Never Forget.”
Beyond this short pause in service, METRO will run a normal Sunday schedule with trains running every 20 minutes.
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 December 2008 and served 12.6 million riders in 2010, exceeding the prior year by 11 percent. METRO serves an average of 40,000 riders each weekday while also planning for six extensions that will create a 57-mile system by 2031.
Source: Metro Light Rail
Transit riders who use or transfer to the 31 bus routes operated by the City of Phoenix’s contractor Veolia Transportation Services (VTS) should have back up plans for alternative travel to work, school, and other destinations beginning Wednesday morning, August 24, 2011.
Bus operators represented by Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1433 will be voting on a “best and final offer” from VTS, which is contracted to the City of Phoenix to provide transit service.
If bus service disruption should occur, VTS is contractually obligated to provide 60 percent of current service; however, there may be a gap of time in which no service is provided. As soon as possible, contingency plans based 30 percent, 45 percent, and 60 percent of current service will be put into effect depending on the resources available. Under the 60 percent plan, Veolia-operated routes will run the Sunday schedule found in the Transit Book or on-line at Valley Metro.org: local bus routes 0 (passes through the Phoenix Central neighborhood), 1, 7, 8 (passes through the Phoenix Central neighborhood), 10, 12, 15, 16, 19, 27, 34, 39, 44, 50, 52. 60, 70, 80, 90, 106, 122, 138, 154, 170, and 186.
SMART and DASH circulators and commuter buses Express 581, RAPID I-17, I-10-East and SR-51 will have fewer trips.
A list of affected routes can be found at http://www.ValleyMetro.org or by going directly to http://www.phoenix.gov/publictransit/strikeinfo.html. It is expected that routes operated by First Transit and MV Transportation, who are also contracted to the City of Phoenix and whose operators are represented by ATU 1433, will continue regular service.
VTS also provides some bus service into the cities of Glendale, Paradise Valley, Peoria, Scottsdale, Tempe, and Sun City.
The following are some alternative transportation suggestions to bus passengers who may be affected if labor agreements are not resolved:
Use the Trip Planner on ValleyMetro.org for bus and METRO schedules
Go to ValleyMetro.org to check the schedules of non-affected bus routes and for the METRO schedule - passengers may be able to use an alternative route.
Carpools or vanpools
Valley Metro offers a ride matching system that allows commuters to quickly and securely find a carpool partner based on proximity, destination and travel route by going to ValleyMetro.org. If you want to meet your carpool partners at a neutral site, check out the list of Phoenix owned and operated sites at http://www.phoenix.gov/publictransit/bldgs.html
Taxis, limos, and shuttles
SkyHarbor, operated by the Phoenix Aviation Department, has a list of transportation companies on their website at http://www.skyharbor.com/transportation-and-parking/limos-and-taxis.html
Tips for Employers:
Help your bus-riding employees in advance by providing them with alternatives for getting to work. Following is a list of tips to help get employees to work should the labor negotiations affect bus service.
1. Once you’ve identified your regular bus riders, provide them with a list of other employees that live in or in close proximity to their zip code. Encourage them to contact fellow co-workers about carpooling if their bus service is affected.
2. If you have an internal carpool matching system, identify your regular bus riders and have them “matched” for carpools with co-workers.
3. Suggest that co-workers who set-up “contingency carpools” make arrangements in advance by discussing pick-up times and locations, and have them exchange phone numbers.
4. Consider working with companies that are in close proximity to help place your regular bus riders in existing carpools or with drive-alone commuters.
5. Promote the Web site, http://www.sharetheride.valleymetro.org, to regular bus riders and other commuters and encourage them to receive a match list of potential carpool partners.
6. Arrange for employees to telework if they have the types of jobs allowing them to work remotely.
For strike information and general transit information, go to ValleyMetro.org or call a Valley Metro customer service representative at 602-253-5000; TTY 602-251-2039 for persons with text telephones.
Source: Phoenix Public Transit
Phoenix Public Transit adds ADA taxi coupon to current subsidy programs
The Phoenix Public Transit Department has launched a new taxi coupon program for Phoenix residents with disabilities. Called ADA Cab, the program supplements Phoenix’s heavily-used Dial-a-Ride program for people who are certified in accordance with the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). By working with local taxicab companies, the program allows participants to book trips at a subsidized rate, allowing for lower costs and more flexibility.
"The ADA Cab program bolsters our transit offerings for people with disabilities, and allows passengers to book their own travel when it is convenient for them," said Phoenix Public Transit Department Director Debbie Cotton.
To purchase coupons at a discount, participants must be Phoenix residents under the age of 65, and they must be ADA-certified. Certified participants can buy coupons to use to pay for cab trips. Each coupon is worth a dollar, and the $20-coupon books sell at 30 percent of their value, or $6 apiece. Participants can buy a maximum of $40 at that discount, and they can purchase an additional $40 at half price; in total, users can buy up to $80 worth of taxi vouchers monthly for $32. The coupons can be used for an entire trip, and can be combined with cash fares to travel further.
ADA Cab is one of several alternatives to fixed-route bus service that Phoenix Public Transit offers for people with disabilities. These options include Dial-a-Ride, which provides scheduled trips; the Senior Cab coupon program for Phoenix residents age 65 and over, as well as dialysis and work trip voucher programs.
The ADA Cab program is funded by the City of Phoenix and New Freedom grants from the Federal Transit Administration. The Phoenix City Council requested development of the alternative taxi program after same-day Dial-a-Ride services were eliminated from the department’s budget.
To get more information about the taxi subsidy program, call MV Transportation at 602-801-1163 or 602-801-1164.
For general information about public transportation, people with questions can call Valley Metro at 602-253-5000, TTY 602-251-2039, or visit http://www.valleymetro.org.
Source: City of Phoenix Public Transit Department
With the additional capacity of three-car trains, METRO light rail served more than 51,000 riders on game day, July 12, and nearly 200,000 across the five days (July 8 – 12) of Major League Baseball’s All-Star 2011. Typical daily ridership in July is 29,000.
“We put our best foot forward to provide good, quality service to those visiting the Phoenix area for the first time and to take care of our everyday riders,” said METRO CEO Steve Banta. “We appreciate the support of the Arizona Diamondbacks and Major League Baseball for seeing value in our service and allowing us to take part in the All-Star Red Carpet event on Tuesday.”
MLB All-Star-wrapped trains traveled through the Red Carpet parade on July 12 that welcomed All-Star players and their families into Chase Field, the site of the All-Star game later that evening. The red carpet ran adjacent to the light rail tracks on Jefferson St. in downtown Phoenix. For photos of this event, visit METRO’s Facebook page.
"METRO light rail has positively impacted our fan experience since its arrival," said D-backs President and CEO Derrick Hall. "We greatly appreciate the cooperation, spirit and generosity from its leadership around the All-Star events. They had all baseball fans and their best interests in mind and provided clean, comfortable, efficient and first-class value."
METRO also provided service to many new, local riders who took advantage of the MLB All-Star opportunity to try transit.
“The kids and I rode the [light] rail yesterday from Mesa to Phoenix for MLB FanFest! It was easy and fun (and AIR CONDITIONED!!!),” said mother and first-time rider Wendy Dunn.
For more information on METRO light rail, visit 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 December 2008 and served 12.6 million riders in 2010, exceeding the prior year by 11 percent. METRO serves an average of 40,000 riders each weekday while also planning for six extensions that will create a 57-mile system by 2031.
Source: Metro Light Rail
METRO light rail will increase capacity July 8 – 12 to serve the demand from MLB All-Star 2011. Third St./Washington and Jefferson are your stations for all the action.
METRO will follow the regular service schedule with trains running until after 11 p.m. on weekdays and 2 a.m. on weekends. The nine system park-and-ride lots are free to use on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Riders are encouraged to buy an all-day ($3.50 for adults; $1.75 for youth, seniors or persons with disabilities) or multi-day pass for unlimited rides in the purchased time period. Validate the pass with your first ride and keep the pass on you in the event of fare inspection.
Riders are also advised to expect crowds on board, at park-and-rides and at fare vending machines. Please be patient and plan ahead.
To plan a trip, visit http://www.valleymetro.org, use Google Transit or call Customer Service at 602-253-5000.
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 December 2008 and served 12.6 million riders in 2010, exceeding the prior year by 11 percent. METRO serves an average of 40,000 riders each weekday while also planning for six extensions that will create a 57-mile system by 2031.
Source: Metro Light Rail
METRO light rail will increase service on Monday, July 4, to support patrons of the Phoenix and Tempe holiday celebrations.METRO will ramp up from 20-minute holiday service to running every 10 minutes by 5 p.m. for patrons’ ingress to these events. METRO will also be prepared with a similar level of service when the events end.Service will be extended that evening to have the last full trips at midnight, rather than 11 p.m. The system will be busy on this holiday. Passengers are advised to expect crowds on board, at park-and-rides and possible delays. Please be patient and plan ahead. Post-event, look for the proper queue line or train headsign to board a train headed in your return direction.Passengers are also highly encouraged to purchase an all-day pass in advance for their round trip service on light rail. Buying in advance minimizes your time at the fare vending machines on the day-of. Buy your pass today online, from a transit center, retail outlet or station fare vending machine and simply activate it on July 4.For more information, visit http://www.metrolightrail.org or call Customer Service at 602-253-5000.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 December 2008 and served 12.6 million riders in 2010, exceeding the prior year by 11 percent. METRO serves an average of 40,000 riders each weekday while also planning for six extensions that will create a 57-mile system by 2031.Source: Metro Light Rail
Reverse lane changes are coming soon this summer. I was pleased to see my fellow Phoenix City Council members join me on a vote Wednesday night to address traffic safety concerns on the "Sevens," including the installation of a new left turn signal at 7th Avenue and Camelback Road. This is the first major change on these streets in 30 years! In addition, Streets Dept. will install new flashing beacons/lights and replace old signs with signs featuring universal traffic symbols. Click here to see a mock-up of the new signs.
This contentious issue was difficult to negotiate and I've appreciated your support, participation and comments during this long process. Although elimination of the reverse lanes was the ultimate goal, I felt strongly about and fought hard for the left turn signal at this major intersection to help ease cut-through traffic in our neighborhoods. Once implemented, I would appreciate hearing your thoughts on whether these upgrades improve traffic concerns on the “Sevens” for our central city residents and businesses.
Source: Tom Simplot, Phoenix District 4 Councilman
PHOENIX, AZ and PRINCETON, NJ; June 16, 2011—NRG Thermal LLC, a subsidiary of NRG Energy Inc. (NYSE: NRG), is building an innovative system that uses solar power and the Company’s downtown district cooling system to provide cooling to the seating areas of the popular 3rd Street/Washington METRO light rail station. The system will launch this July and operate May through September annually, when summer temperatures often exceed 110 degrees.
“I was able to experience a similar system during a business trip to Dubai and brought the idea back to Phoenix,” said Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon. “NRG took the ball and ran with it, investing its money and expertise to make this happen. This solar-powered system will make riding the light rail in Phoenix even cooler. It’s an example of public-private partnership at its best!”
“This partnership with NRG will have a direct and positive impact on our riders,” said METRO CEO Steve Banta. “In addition to being a welcomed customer amenity, this project is the first use of solar energy on our system. We’re hopeful it can lead to other solar opportunities along our current line and as we grow.”
NRG plans to design and build this project in an unusually short time—by July 5, the week before the Major League Baseball All-Star game is held in Phoenix. Throughout the project’s construction, access to light rail service and station amenities, including fare vending machines, will not be affected.
Project benefits include:
Free and on-demand cooling for passengers will improve the rail system experience.
The system is environmentally friendly, leveraging the existing energy-efficient downtown district cooling system and using solar power to operate the air-conditioning/air-moving system.
NRG will cover the entire cost of building, operating and maintaining this new system, which means no additional costs to local residents and commuters.
The project will include an educational exhibit showcasing the technology and how it works.
NRG owns and operates NRG Energy Center Phoenix, which provides cost-efficient and effective cooling for 34 major buildings in downtown Phoenix including Chase Field, US Airways Center, the Phoenix Convention Center, the Sheraton Hotel, Symphony Hall and CityScape among others. NRG also owns and operates distributed solar systems in Arizona at several schools, which help reduce the schools’ utility bills and provide shade for on-campus parking lots. NRG is in the process of building 12 large solar pavilions at schools in four districts across the state as the first stage of the program. NRG also provides large-scale solar solutions in Arizona as the Company is developing a 25 megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic (PV) project in Pima County and the 290 MW Agua Caliente PV project in Yuma County.
About NRG
NRG Energy, Inc. is a Fortune 500 and S&P 500 Index company that owns and operates one of the country’s largest and most diverse power generation portfolios. Headquartered in Princeton, NJ, the Company’s power plants provide 25,000 megawatts of generation capacity—enough to supply approximately 20 million homes. NRG’s retail businesses—Reliant Energy and Green Mountain Energy Company—serve nearly 1.9 million residential, business, commercial and industrial customers. With major investments in solar and wind power, as well as electric vehicle infrastructure, NRG is working to help America transition to a clean energy economy. More information is available at http://www.nrgenergy.com.
About METRO light rail
METRO is responsible for the development and operation of the region’s high-capacity transit system. The first 20-mile light rail line opened December 2008 and served 12.6 million riders in 2010, exceeding the prior year by 11 percent. METRO serves an average of 43,000 riders each weekday while also planning for six extensions that will create a 57-mile system by 2031. More information is available at http://www.metrolightrail.org.
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Media Contacts:
NRG Energy
David Gaier
609.524.4529
METRO light rail
Hillary Foose
602.322.4468
City of Phoenix
Michael Hammett
602.495.5405
Source: Metro Light Rail
Interested in the latest changes to the Reverse Lanes? Please attend the Phoenix City Council meeting next Wednesday, June 15th at 3:00pm at Council Chambers, 200 West Jefferson.
City Council is set to vote on installing left turn arrows at 7th Avenue and Camelback. This will be the first major change to the "Sevens" in more than 30 years. I hope you can join us.
If you have questions, comments or ideas, please feel free to call my office at 602-262-7447 or send me an email at council.district.4@phoenix.gov.
Source: Councilman Tom Simplot District 4
