With celebrations across the 20-mile alignment and more than 200,000 people expected, METRO light rail is seeking volunteer support for the launch of Arizona’s first light rail system on December 26, 27 and 28, 2008.
Volunteers, or “METRO Ambassadors,” are needed to support the many aspects of a launch party this large. Ambassadors will be asked to perform such key duties as greeting and queuing passengers at station platforms; providing information about the days’ events and how the light rail system works; assisting in set-up and break-down of the events; and monitoring for safety.
METRO Ambassadors will receive proper training, including an up-close look at the METRO light rail system, a uniform as well as a “token” of METRO’s appreciation. So, if you’re a train fanatic, transportation enthusiast or just interested in being a part of this historic event, we have a grand opening post for you.
A complete outline of the volunteering opportunities are available at:http://www.valleymetro.org/metro_light_rail/grand_opening/grand_opening_volunteers
Complete the volunteer application at:http://www.valleymetro.org/metro_light_rail/grand_opening/volunteer_application_form/
A complete outline and application of exhibitor opportunities are available at:
http://www.valleymetro.org/images/uploads/lightrail_publications/grand-opennig-participation-guide.pdf
The deadline to apply is November 14.
Source: Metro Light Rail
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Thursday, October 16, 2008
METRO free-ride weekend has been extended
PHOENIX — Your window to experience the new METRO light rail system for free has been extended through Dec. 31.
Fares will be required beginning Jan. 1, 2009.
The original plans for METRO’s grand opening included a free-ride weekend on Saturday, Dec. 27 and Sunday, Dec. 28, 2008 only. But with a recent Board decision, the opportunity to offer a greater number of free rides and exposure to this new system was approved.
Free rides will be offered from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 27; 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 28; and as part of METRO’s regular service hours on Monday, Dec. 29 – Wednesday, Dec. 31.
More information on the METRO grand opening will be forthcoming.
Source: Metro Light Rail
Fares will be required beginning Jan. 1, 2009.
The original plans for METRO’s grand opening included a free-ride weekend on Saturday, Dec. 27 and Sunday, Dec. 28, 2008 only. But with a recent Board decision, the opportunity to offer a greater number of free rides and exposure to this new system was approved.
Free rides will be offered from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 27; 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 28; and as part of METRO’s regular service hours on Monday, Dec. 29 – Wednesday, Dec. 31.
More information on the METRO grand opening will be forthcoming.
Source: Metro Light Rail
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Comic Book Star Designs METRO Pass
Comic book superstar Todd McFarlane to design Preview Pass commemorative ticket
PHOENIX — One of the region’s hottest tickets this year will also be one of the most collectible. Phoenix-based and internationally-renowned artist Todd McFarlane (Spawn, Spider-man) will create original artwork for the limited-edition METRO Preview Pass.
McFarlane’s design will serve as the “golden ticket” to get you in the door of the preview ride on Dec. 26 and as your keepsake of METRO light rail’s historic grand opening.
METRO’s Preview Pass event will permit a select group of residents, dignitaries and local celebrities to ride the final test train on Friday, Dec. 26 – the day before the public grand opening.
Members of the general public who are passengers on this preview ride will have won their McFarlane-designed Preview Pass from a media outlet. Media outlets from across the Valley are currently submitting proposals to METRO for how they would creatively distribute passes to their listeners, readers or viewers. [REMINDER to media: proposals are due by Friday, Oct. 17 by 5 p.m.]
Grammy- and Emmy-winning producer/director Todd McFarlane is the force behind McFarlane Toys, one of America’s top action figure manufacturers. McFarlane Toys' hotly anticipated Halo 3 and Guitar Hero lines are slated to hit stores nationwide late October. The company also produces officially licensed NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL figures. Visit www.mcfarlane.com and the McFarlane retail store at Westgate City Center in Glendale.
Source: Metro Lightrail
PHOENIX — One of the region’s hottest tickets this year will also be one of the most collectible. Phoenix-based and internationally-renowned artist Todd McFarlane (Spawn, Spider-man) will create original artwork for the limited-edition METRO Preview Pass.
McFarlane’s design will serve as the “golden ticket” to get you in the door of the preview ride on Dec. 26 and as your keepsake of METRO light rail’s historic grand opening.
METRO’s Preview Pass event will permit a select group of residents, dignitaries and local celebrities to ride the final test train on Friday, Dec. 26 – the day before the public grand opening.
Members of the general public who are passengers on this preview ride will have won their McFarlane-designed Preview Pass from a media outlet. Media outlets from across the Valley are currently submitting proposals to METRO for how they would creatively distribute passes to their listeners, readers or viewers. [REMINDER to media: proposals are due by Friday, Oct. 17 by 5 p.m.]
Grammy- and Emmy-winning producer/director Todd McFarlane is the force behind McFarlane Toys, one of America’s top action figure manufacturers. McFarlane Toys' hotly anticipated Halo 3 and Guitar Hero lines are slated to hit stores nationwide late October. The company also produces officially licensed NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL figures. Visit www.mcfarlane.com and the McFarlane retail store at Westgate City Center in Glendale.
Source: Metro Lightrail
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Reversible Lane Update
Dear Friends,
I would like to thank everyone who participated in the discussion about the reversible lanes on 7th Avenue and 7th Street. In particular, I would like to thank our friends at SAMA and the various neighborhood associations who worked so diligently on this issue. There was a packed house yesterday at the City Council meeting with residents representing many different views. This was a great example of how the democratic process works.
After public input and debate among my colleagues, it became clear that we did not have the Council votes to eliminate the reversible lanes at this time. On the bright side, Council members reached a compromise to continue to review our options. The reversible lanes will remain as is for now, but we will continue to study possible alternatives to make them safer, taking into consideration how light rail and other traffic conditions may change in the near future. I also convinced my colleagues that we should analyze the feasibility of permanent photo radar speed enforcement along the Sevens. Permanent radar enforcement could provide a safer street environment, as well as provide a source of potential revenue to fund improvements on both of these streets. My colleagues also agreed to install a pedestrian crosswalk light at Glenrosa and 7th Avenue and to further explore additional pedestrian crosswalk lights along the Sevens. Safety is a priority, so I am pleased that pedestrian crosswalks were included.
The City Council will reconsider the issue before our Council recess next summer. Hopefully, the Council will agree to make changes that will improve safety for both drivers and pedestrians, if not eliminating the reversible lanes completely.
Tom
Source: Tom Simplot, Councilman, District 4 E-News
I would like to thank everyone who participated in the discussion about the reversible lanes on 7th Avenue and 7th Street. In particular, I would like to thank our friends at SAMA and the various neighborhood associations who worked so diligently on this issue. There was a packed house yesterday at the City Council meeting with residents representing many different views. This was a great example of how the democratic process works.
After public input and debate among my colleagues, it became clear that we did not have the Council votes to eliminate the reversible lanes at this time. On the bright side, Council members reached a compromise to continue to review our options. The reversible lanes will remain as is for now, but we will continue to study possible alternatives to make them safer, taking into consideration how light rail and other traffic conditions may change in the near future. I also convinced my colleagues that we should analyze the feasibility of permanent photo radar speed enforcement along the Sevens. Permanent radar enforcement could provide a safer street environment, as well as provide a source of potential revenue to fund improvements on both of these streets. My colleagues also agreed to install a pedestrian crosswalk light at Glenrosa and 7th Avenue and to further explore additional pedestrian crosswalk lights along the Sevens. Safety is a priority, so I am pleased that pedestrian crosswalks were included.
The City Council will reconsider the issue before our Council recess next summer. Hopefully, the Council will agree to make changes that will improve safety for both drivers and pedestrians, if not eliminating the reversible lanes completely.
Tom
Source: Tom Simplot, Councilman, District 4 E-News
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Reversible Lanes Update
The Phoenix City Council will be discussing the future of the reversible lanes on Tuesday, October 7th at 2 pm.
The meeting will be held at the Council Chambers located at 200 W Jefferson.
I believe that the reversible lanes create a dangerous environment and have a negative impact on the quality of life of our neighborhoods. This is a very important issue that will affect many Phoenix residents, so I encourage you to attend the City Council meeting and voice your opinion.
Councilman Tom Simplot, District 4, E-News
The meeting will be held at the Council Chambers located at 200 W Jefferson.
I believe that the reversible lanes create a dangerous environment and have a negative impact on the quality of life of our neighborhoods. This is a very important issue that will affect many Phoenix residents, so I encourage you to attend the City Council meeting and voice your opinion.
Councilman Tom Simplot, District 4, E-News
Friday, September 26, 2008
Suicide Lane Challange
I am offering a suggestion to anyone who doesn’t understand why residents who live around the suicide lanes dislike them so much. Take the “Suicide Lane Challenge”!
In order to play, you will need to use your imagination, and visualize yourself running a few basic errands on your way home from work, but imagine that you live in any neighborhood between McDowell and Dunlap off of 7th Ave or 7th Street. Picture yourself leaving work at 4:30, getting in your car and heading off to buy stamps, purchase a birthday gift, and pick-up groceries in central Phoenix. First you would head to the post office to buy stamps, then you would drive to Spectrum Mall or Target to buy a birthday gift, next you would head to a grocery store to pick up groceries for dinner, and finally you would drive to your chosen neighborhood.
Now on your path, count how many cars you saw trying to turn at the main intersections illegally. Also count how many cars going against traffic were trying to turn east mid intersection, and had to stop traffic flow, backing up cars behind them waiting for them to turn.
Which neighborhood did you cut through in order to get to Spectrum Mall? Did you pick that neighborhood street to cut through solely because it was the only chance traffic would allow? Did you speed through the neighborhood? How did I know that you cut-through a neighborhood? Because that was your ONLY option. Did you pick the grocery store solely because what side of the street you were on, or have you already com to the conclusion that it really isn’t worth the trouble to patronize these businesses at all?
Think about your new quality of life, now that you have moved to central Phoenix. Is running errands a pleasurable experience? Think about your state of mind because of the number of people who were irritated at you for turning where you chose? Did they throw you the finger? Did they honk? Did they almost ram into your car?
Through this challenge, were you:
A. Tempted to pick a grocery store not on 7th Ave or 7th St?
B. Wait until after suicide lane hours to run your errands (remember what time the post office closes)?
C. Reschedule your life around this lane? D. Buy a gift at the grocery store instead? (Nice gift!)
Is all this hassle for a central-Phoenix resident worth the extra 10 minutes or so it’s going to take a north-Phoenix commuter to drive? Can the small percentage of north-Phoenix residents who commute to downtown not take the extra ten minutes so that ALL of the 114,000 central-Phoenix residents can have a turn lane and be able to turn at major intersections?
I ask that before you make a decision to keep the suicide lanes, that you take the “Suicide Lane Challenge” so that you understand where most of the residents come from. And realize how this important City Council vote will affect the central Phoenix residents’ quality of life.
Disclaimer: When doing the challenge, make sure you are wearing your seatbelt is tight, you use the rearview mirror often, and be very careful.
Source: Teresa Stickler, Carnation Resident and Melrose Pharmacy Owner
In order to play, you will need to use your imagination, and visualize yourself running a few basic errands on your way home from work, but imagine that you live in any neighborhood between McDowell and Dunlap off of 7th Ave or 7th Street. Picture yourself leaving work at 4:30, getting in your car and heading off to buy stamps, purchase a birthday gift, and pick-up groceries in central Phoenix. First you would head to the post office to buy stamps, then you would drive to Spectrum Mall or Target to buy a birthday gift, next you would head to a grocery store to pick up groceries for dinner, and finally you would drive to your chosen neighborhood.
Now on your path, count how many cars you saw trying to turn at the main intersections illegally. Also count how many cars going against traffic were trying to turn east mid intersection, and had to stop traffic flow, backing up cars behind them waiting for them to turn.
Which neighborhood did you cut through in order to get to Spectrum Mall? Did you pick that neighborhood street to cut through solely because it was the only chance traffic would allow? Did you speed through the neighborhood? How did I know that you cut-through a neighborhood? Because that was your ONLY option. Did you pick the grocery store solely because what side of the street you were on, or have you already com to the conclusion that it really isn’t worth the trouble to patronize these businesses at all?
Think about your new quality of life, now that you have moved to central Phoenix. Is running errands a pleasurable experience? Think about your state of mind because of the number of people who were irritated at you for turning where you chose? Did they throw you the finger? Did they honk? Did they almost ram into your car?
Through this challenge, were you:
A. Tempted to pick a grocery store not on 7th Ave or 7th St?
B. Wait until after suicide lane hours to run your errands (remember what time the post office closes)?
C. Reschedule your life around this lane? D. Buy a gift at the grocery store instead? (Nice gift!)
Is all this hassle for a central-Phoenix resident worth the extra 10 minutes or so it’s going to take a north-Phoenix commuter to drive? Can the small percentage of north-Phoenix residents who commute to downtown not take the extra ten minutes so that ALL of the 114,000 central-Phoenix residents can have a turn lane and be able to turn at major intersections?
I ask that before you make a decision to keep the suicide lanes, that you take the “Suicide Lane Challenge” so that you understand where most of the residents come from. And realize how this important City Council vote will affect the central Phoenix residents’ quality of life.
Disclaimer: When doing the challenge, make sure you are wearing your seatbelt is tight, you use the rearview mirror often, and be very careful.
Source: Teresa Stickler, Carnation Resident and Melrose Pharmacy Owner
Thursday, September 25, 2008
ASU Traffic Study
What the ASU Traffic Study showed us...
The reverse lane study done by ASU showed us that there is major discontent with the reverse lanes. Only 10% of the people polled were satisfied with the lanes as they are. The study also pointed out that in cities where they have removed the lanes (such as Tucson), more people are satisfied with the roads, even if there is an increase in congestion. Returningthe lanes to normal flow is the most cost effective remedy to changing the lanes.
Source: Councilman Tom Simplot, District 4 News
The reverse lane study done by ASU showed us that there is major discontent with the reverse lanes. Only 10% of the people polled were satisfied with the lanes as they are. The study also pointed out that in cities where they have removed the lanes (such as Tucson), more people are satisfied with the roads, even if there is an increase in congestion. Returningthe lanes to normal flow is the most cost effective remedy to changing the lanes.
Source: Councilman Tom Simplot, District 4 News
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