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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
