METRO To The Max is a post from: Rail Life

I know we have been talking a lot about Mesa lately, and I know you might wonder what all of the fuss is about.

In my opinion, the first extension of the light rail line in the Phoenix area is kind of a big deal. This extension brings new people to the system, new places to shop, and new restaurants and entertainment venues to visit. Many people are not yet familiar with downtown Mesa, but I believe that will change with the opening of the light rail line.

We have heard some awesome success stories about places along the first 20 miles of the line. New restaurants have opened, people love riding to sporting events, and the overall economic benefits to the area have been talked about a LOT.

Smart investors have already started buying property near the light rail extension. Think about it. You have new businesses coming in, they are working on bringing in a bunch of college students, and there will be a whole lot of new interest in the area once these trains are heading down Main Street. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure this one out…

At last week’s METRO Max event, we had the opportunity to try new places, meet with business owners, and walk down Main Street to see some of the cool restaurants and shops that are already there. Heck, we’ve already talked about the new brewery coming to Mesa, you know that will bring a few of you out to see the area!

While the good times appear to be coming, the light at the end of the tunnel is indeed a train. We all know that there is still a long road ahead for some of the business owners along the line in Mesa. Construction and street closures can be tough on these businesses. Hopefully, METRO learned some very valuable lessons from past experiences – it certainly wasn’t all happy happy joy joy for everyone involved.

Below, you will see a recent press release from METRO telling us about more information about the METRO Max Rewards program in Central Mesa.

Support Central Mesa businesses with METRO Max Rewards

Rally around local businesses along the future light rail route and save!

PHOENIX, AZ — Show your valid transit pass or METRO Max Rewards card to cash in on savings at businesses along the future light rail extension into downtown Mesa.  METRO Max Rewards is a discount card program to provide increased visibility to those businesses that will experience light rail construction.  It is one of several business assistance programs geared towards supporting the local business community through construction of the 3.1-mile light rail line, which is expected to commence in late May/early June.

Visit METRO Max to get started!  It’s free to participate as a Central Mesa business owner and consumer.  Thus far, nearly 100 businesses – restaurants, retail, salons, hotels, medical and automobile service providers, etc. – have signed up to offer discounts and other special rewards through the program.  If you do not have a transit pass, the METRO Max Rewards card is available for print or download online.

“Small businesses are the key to a strong community.  We moved our family-owned and operated business to Mesa in 2002 after 19 years of doing weddings and special events across metro Phoenix,” said Y-Knot Party & Rentals owner and the state’s only Master Wedding Vendor Sharon Olsen.  “We are so excited about the future of Mesa and what light rail will bring to our community.  We jumped at the chance to be more involved with the project and the METRO Max program offering a 10 percent discount.”

Weekly emails will be sent to share the latest METRO Max rewards and events.  Information will also be posted on Facebook (/InsideMETROlightrail) and Twitter (@METROrail or hashtag #METROMax).

“The Mesa business community is strong and will only get stronger with the advancement of light rail,” said Mesa Councilman and METRO Board Vice Chairman Dennis Kavanaugh.  “We all have to do our part to keep visiting and supporting the local business community and METRO Max is an easy, money-saving way to do that.”

The Central Mesa light rail extension will travel east on Main Street from Sycamore to Mesa Drive and includes four stations and a park-and-ride facility.  A Design-Build team has been selected:  Valley Transit Constructors, a Kiewit/Mass. Joint Venture.  Construction is anticipated to begin in late May/early June with design also moving forward.  The line is expected to open in late 2015, ahead of schedule.  For more project information, visit www.metrolightrail.org/centralmesa.

So, get out and go see what’s happening in Mesa. It might surprise you to learn more about some of the cool things going on. One tip I learned from the METRO Max rewards program is the fact that Gotham City Comics and Coffee serves a “Spider Man coffee” that rocks, like crazy. Check them out at 46 W Main Street. I’ll be back for more, for sure…

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Mesa’s New Theme Song – Show Me The Money! is a post from: Rail Life

More good news for the Mesa light rail extension. Check out their press release from today.

$20 million more has been identified for the Central Mesa light rail extension

PHOENIX, AZ — The 3.1-mile light rail extension into downtown Mesa is recommended to receive an additional $20 million in federal fiscal year 2013 according to the President’s budget released yesterday.  METRO has already received $35.5 million in federal fiscal year 2012 that is allowing the project to move ahead into utility relocation this spring.

“This project is positively progressing through the federal funding pipeline,” said METRO CEO Steve Banta.  “This is no small accomplishment considering the economy and it indicates that we have a very strong project in Mesa.  We appreciate the continued support of our partners at the FTA.”

METRO is requesting a total of $75 million from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) for Central Mesa; this second installment would provide the project with nearly three-fourths of its federal funding.  METRO expects to have its full funding grant commitment with the FTA’s signing of a Project Construction Grant Agreement (PCGA) this summer.

“We are excited the administration’s federal budget recommendation includes light rail.  We are hopeful Congress will also recognize the importance of the light rail project,” said Mesa Mayor Scott Smith.  “The extension of light rail is not only a smart investment in improving our transportation system, but is also a key component in generating economic development in our city.”

The 3.1-mile, $200 million Central Mesa light rail extension will travel through downtown Mesa to Mesa Drive by late 2015/early 2016.  More than half of the project’s total funding has already been programmed using Proposition 400 and federal air quality dollars.  METRO will break ground in late spring with the first phase of construction, utility relocation.  The Design-Build team, who will execute construction and continue to advance the design, is likely to be named with our Board of Directors meeting in March.

For more information on the Central Mesa extension, visit www.metrolightrail.org/centralmesa.  For information from FTA on its proposed FFY2013 funding priorities, visit http://www.fta.dot.gov/12304_14365.html.

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Time To Talk Tempe Streetcar Again is a post from: Rail Life

So, here’s a meeting you might not want to miss if you are interested in learning more about the proposed Tempe Streetcar project.

The meeting looks to be about design guidelines for the look and feel of the stations. While this is cool stuff to know, there is sure to be a person or two in attendance looking to find out how they will be funding the project.

Of course, you can follow along with the Tempe Streetcar project via the City of Tempe Streetcar page and the METRO Streetcar page, as well.

Provide input on Urban Design Guidelines for Tempe Streetcar

METRO invites you to attend a public meeting to review and comment on the Urban Design Guidelines (UDG) for the 2.6-mile Tempe Streetcar project that will serve the downtown and Central Tempe community.

The UDG is a document that will provide the future project designers with guidelines for how the streetcar stops should look, including concepts for seating, lighting, platform paving treatments, canopies, etc.

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

200 E. 5th St., Tempe, 85281

So, let’s talk Tempe Streetcar at the meeting. I’d love to hear your thoughts. Is this the right route? Will it benefit the area? What are YOU hearing about the project?

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Early Christmas For Mesa Light Rail Fans is a post from: Rail Life

This week, dozens of transit geeks, METRO employees, politicians, local business owners and Mesa residents gathered to celebrate another light rail milestone. The unveiling of a new “future light rail route” sign in front of the Mesa Arts Center on Main Street signifies what many believe will be a large step forward in showcasing what this part of town has to offer.

The crowd of people heard from METRO CEO Steve Banta, Mesa Mayor Scott Smith, local business owners and others as they shared their insight as to what is coming in the near future, a future they say will be here a bit sooner than what was recently discussed. According to AZCentral and Mayor Smith, the Mesa light rail extension will open in 2015 instead of 2016.

Sooner is certainly better when you talk about opening this next leg of our light rail system, and it is welcome news to people working on the project, as well as those working in the area. Construction is scheduled to speed up this coming year with utility relocation beginning in the spring.

Much talk and emphasis has centered around helping the business community along Main Street during the long construction process. METRO has reached out to the community and provided opportunities for business owners to participate in community meetings, receive marketing materials and assistance during the entire process. A ton of information is available to Mesa business owners on the Mesa extension page of their web site.

“20 years ago, I never thought I’d see this day come” William Lindley, Director, Arizona Rail Passenger Association.

Many people are not familiar with all of the things this part of Mesa has to offer. As the trains begin to bring people to downtown Mesa, the Arts Center, the museums, and the small businesses will more than likely be a pleasant surprise. As new businesses descend upon the area, it will be interesting to see how new transit-oriented developments blend in with this section of town. For Mesa, Santa is riding a light rail train…

Merry Christmas, y’all.

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Hey Mesa – Here’s Your Sign is a post from: Rail Life

Who’s ready for another light rail milestone? You are? Good. Monday is your chance to participate in a celebration of our next light rail extension.  Maybe you don’t really care about the Mesa light rail extension, but you want to grab some free grub and have a chance to win some free stuff? Hey, you’re in luck there, too.

See the info below, straight from the horse’s mouth…

Join METRO as we celebrate the extension of light rail into central Mesa by signing a “future light rail route” sign and unveiling the first sign to the community.

Come learn about the latest project happenings, enter to win a gift card to local shops on the extension, and enjoy some breakfast treats. The 3.1-mile extension will extend light rail on Main Street from Sycamore to Mesa Drive by 2015.

Monday, Dec. 5, 2011 9–10 a.m.

SE corner of Center/Main Streets in front of the Mesa Arts Center

Click here for more information on the Central Mesa project.

If you haven’t followed what’s happening in Mesa along the new route, you should start to pay attention. This extension will be here before we know it and will open up a lot of choices and opportunities for many people. Come on out Monday and take a look around. You might just be surprised at what you learn…

Mesa Light Rail Extension Gains Clearance is a post from: Rail Life

For immediate release

July 14, 2011

Central Mesa light rail extension receives environmental clearance

Another milestone in the project development process

PHOENIX, AZ — METRO has received the Finding of No Significant Impact (or FONSI) from the Federal Transit Administration for the 3.1-mile Central Mesa light rail extension.  This approval comes following the submittal of the project’s Environmental Assessment, required to understand the extension’s effect on its neighboring environment and to continue to compete for federal grant dollars.

"This is another significant step toward implementing the voter-approved extension of light rail, which is so important to not only Mesa, but to the entire metro region," said Mesa Mayor Scott Smith.

After more than a year of reviewing potential property, historic preservation, air quality, noise and vibration, hazardous materials and other impact areas, the receipt of the FONSI indicates that no significant environmental effect would occur with the implementation of this project.

“This is good news that took a lot of hard work and rigorous analysis by METRO working closely with the City of Mesa,” said METRO CEO Steve Banta.  “It also allows us to initiate other key areas of work including utility relocation and real estate acquisition discussions.”

The Central Mesa extension will travel on Main St. from the current end-of-line at Sycamore, through downtown Mesa to Mesa Dr.  It will include four stations and a park-and-ride lot.  The project is currently in design.  As the design progresses, precise real estate needs will be determined and discussions with property owners would ensue at that time.  Utility relocation is expected to begin in summer 2012 with the line operational in 2016.

For more information on Central Mesa, visit www.metrolightrail.org/centralmesa.

Mesa Light Rail Extension Info To Be Available To Public is a post from: Rail Life

The public is invited to come check out more information about the upcoming Mesa light rail extension. Here’s the scoop from METRO:

Public meeting to review 30% design

Design plans for the Central Mesa Light Rail Extension are 30% complete. The 3.1-mile extension will extend light rail on Main Street from Sycamore to Mesa Drive. METRO invites you to a public meeting to review the preliminary plans, including the roadway design and station art and architecture concepts. Project staff will be available to address questions and comments.

Thursday, June 9, 2011

6 – 8 p.m. (presentation begins at 6:20 p.m.)

East Valley Institute of Technology

Health and Sciences Building Auditorium

1601 West Main Street, Mesa, AZ 85201

More Light Rail Expansion Talks is a post from: Rail Life

The Phoenix West Alternatives Analysis Study is progressing and here is the latest update.

METRO will be providing a project update to the Phoenix City Council on May 3. The meeting is on the agenda for information and discussion only. METRO plans to take the project back to the Council for action late this year. Council meeting dates and agendas are subject to change, so please check the Phoenix website for the latest meeting information.

Over the next six to eight months, METRO’s work on the study will continue:

• Historic property evaluation– project staff will be walking the area, taking photographs and recording information that will help in identifying potential historic properties.
• Property impacts – further evaluation of how light rail fits into the neighborhood and ways to ease any impact.
• Railroad crossing – discussions with the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad and the Federal Railroad Administration on options for light rail to cross the existing freight line at 19th Avenue.
• Proposed route along Jefferson Street – additional review of the Jefferson Street section of the proposed route and evaluation of possible alternatives (for example, we have received requests to study a Van Buren alignment between the I-17 and 19th Avenue).
• Meetings/communication with stakeholders – continued meetings with residents, property owners, and community organizations to solicit input and provide information. Watch for community event notifications via email and also as posted on the METRO website.

If you have questions or would like additional information, please contact Terry Gruver at 480-664-2631 or tgruver@metrolightrail.org.

This release was sent via METRO light rail. Big thanks to them for keeping us in the loop! :)

Rail Life Pic Of The Week – High Ridership Spurs Need For Unconventional Funding is a post from: Rail Life

We have heard talks about the funding of METRO’s Mesa extension for quite some time, but the talks have been heating up lately as Mesa officials continue to explore extending the line further than originally planned.

A new study has been proposed to “better understand costs, station locations and to get public feedback” for an extension to Gilbert Road. It sounds like the cost of the $500,000 study will get a rubber stamp on Monday.

The Mesa light rail extension is being looked at as a key component towards economic development in the area, and preliminary reports show that extending the line from approximately Mesa Drive to Gilbert Road would have a positive impact on ridership numbers. Currently, the Sycamore and Main station is the eastern end of the line and showed the highest number of boardings in 2010. People using this station often come from Chandler, Gilbert and other east valley areas.

Given the fact that these additional 2 miles of track were not part of Prop 400, they “will likely need to find an unconventional funding source”, Mesa Mayor Scott Smith said.

See the msnbc article here:

Remember, Rail Life has a Phoenix Light Rail Group on Flickr. Basically, we want to share some of our pictures from the community and allow people to add their pics (or videos), as well. These can be light rail related, but we also want pics or videos of your favorite spot, restaurant, sports team, community, event etc.

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Arizona On Track For Passenger Rail is a post from: Rail Life

Today, Arizona’s State Transportation Board approved a state rail plan that should be a big step forward in potentially building passenger rail in Arizona.

Our friend Serena Unrein from PIRG wrote about today’s activities in the Huffington Post. Serena’s “On Track For Passenger Rail” article explains the details and lets us know some of the reasoning behind why many people are interested in the subject.

“The Arizona Department of Transportation now moves forward with a study to determine the best corridor for the Phoenix-Tucson intercity rail.” – Huffington Post

Today, I spoke with Serena and got to hear some more of the details of today’s events. “It’s a big deal” said Serena, there were over 1000 petitions signed in support and many small businesses have been very helpful in raising awareness for the need to have passenger rail in Arizona. If you want to learn more, feel free to join Serena along with Eric Emmert of the East Valley Chambers of Commerce Alliance, Small Business Owner Jade Meskill, and others on Monday to get the scoop. See the information below concerning Monday’s meeting: Of course you can follow PIRG on Twitter or check out their Facebook page for updates, as well. And, if you are really cool, you will check out RailLife on Facebook, too. :)

Businesses, Transportation Advocates Celebrate Passage of Plan to Bring Passenger Rail to Arizona and Highlight Potential for Arizona’s Economy

WHAT: Members of the business community and transportation advocates will celebrate the passage of the first-ever statewide plan for rail transportation in Arizona and discuss what it means for Arizona’s economy.  The State Rail Plan, which was adopted by the State Transportation Board Friday, prioritizes passenger rail between Phoenix and Tucson.  The State Rail Plan is a crucial first step for building passenger rail in Arizona. 

WHEN: Monday, March 21, 2011 at 10:00 a.m.

WHO: Eric Emmert, East Valley Chambers of Commerce Alliance

Jade Meskill, Small Business Owner

Serena Unrein, Arizona PIRG Education Fund

WHERE: Phoenix Union Station

401 South 4^th Avenue, Phoenix

CONTACT: Serena Unrein, Arizona PIRG Education Fund

Office: 602-252-9225

sunrein@arizonapirg.org