Another METRO Milestone in Phoenix is a post from: Rail Life

New park-and-ride lot now open.

Breakfast celebration featuring the Suns, free transit passes set for Wed., 3/23

The ARRA-funded 7th Avenue/Camelback park-and-ride has opened offering METRO light rail passengers additional and shaded parking.  The lot will provide greater access to the transit system and is well-timed considering the growth in ridership and gas prices.

To celebrate the lot’s opening, METRO, in partnership with the City of Phoenix, the Phoenix Suns and Hunter Contracting Co., will offer free breakfast and transit passes to those who want to try transit the morning of March 23!

Come down to be some of the first to park in the new lot, grab breakfast from neighboring food purveyors Copper Star Coffee, America’s Best Taco Shop and Fry’s and enjoy the energy of the Phoenix Suns Gorilla!  Finally, hop on board light rail with one of the 100 free all-day transit passes provided by Hunter. 

There will also be an opportunity to enter a drawing for Phoenix Suns/US Airways Center ticket packages!

WHEN: Wednesday, March 23, 2011 7:30 – 9 a.m.; comments at 8 a.m.

WHERE: West end of the 7th Avenue/Camelback park-and-ride lot.  The lot is located on the southeast corner of the intersection.

WHO: All riders, new and existing, and neighboring residents and business owners of the lot are encouraged to attend.

Speakers will include:

METRO CEO Steve Banta

METRO Board Chairman and Phoenix Councilman Tom Simplot

Representative from Hunter Contracting Co.

The Phoenix Suns Gorilla

Rail Life “Flickr Pic” of the week – Made in the Shade is a post from: Rail Life

Wowza, it has been HOT lately. Last week, we talked about the a/c units on the light rail trains. This week, I have a pic from the new shade canopies at the light rail park and ride lot located at 19th Avenue and Camelback.

In the past, the only covered parking had been in Tempe at the McClintock and Apache park and ride garage. Thankfully, METRO has been able to snag some funds to add covered parking to the light rail station park and ride lots along Camelback. In addition to these covered spots at 19th Avenue, there is currently construction at 3rd Avenue where people will be able to use covered parking if boarding at the Central or 7th Avenue and Camelback stations.

Stay cool!

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 of your favorite spot, restaurant, sports team, community, event etc.

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Diamondbacks Rollin’ in to Chase Field is a post from: Rail Life

Opening day is just about here for the Arizona Diamondbacks and baseball fans will be rolling into the arena in big numbers. The success of the spring games brings renewed excitement to a club that had a somewhat forgettable year last season. I hope you have tickets for opening day, because this sold out game is sure to be a LOT of fun. The team looks good, the weather will be great and the roof will be open, so hitch a ride on the light rail, grab a brew and a dog, and get ready for a fun filled year. I have a feeling these guys feel like they have a lot to prove.

If you are new to the valley or taking light rail to Chase Field for the first time, there are a few things you might want to keep in mind:

Purchase a light rail pass: For just $3.50 you can ride the light rail to and from Chase Field.

Park and Ride: All park and ride lots are FREE. If you don’t live near the light rail line, these lots are always a good bet.

Pick your light rail station: If coming from the East Valley, you will exit at 3rd and Washington and walk south to the arena. When going home, jump on the 3rd and Jefferson station right outside of Chase Field heading back east. This also means that people coming from the north or west will exit at 3rd and Jefferson on their way to the game and then walk north to 3rd and Washington when heading home.

In the video below, you will see what it looks like to take light rail to the arena.

At RailLife, we are big fans of the Dbacks… We hope to see you at the games!

Light Rail brings RailGating to Tempe is a post from: Rail Life

ASU Football games are always a good time and tailgating is never a bad idea.

Now that we have light rail available to drop people off right in front of Sun Devil Stadium, many people are using it to get to the games and a new term has been introduced to light rail riding Sun Devils.

RailGating is here… Soon, it will be an art form. There is no right or wrong way to railgate, just have fun. There will be people that join existing tailgaters, people will use one of the FREE park and Ride lots and then stop at restaurants and bars near Sun Devil Stadium, downtown Phoenix students can take light rail to the game and meet up with friends, etc.

I know a ton of cool people that have some great tailgating parties. While the “traditional” tailgate can’t be beat, if you have friends that are doing it up right, it might be easier for you to take light rail to Sun Devil Stadium and join them!

In the future, I’ll try get some of our friends that own restaurants and bars along the light rail line to offer special discounts to our readers so stay tuned!

Make sure you follow RailLife on Twitter and watch the “hashtags” of #RailLife and #RailGating for fun things to do.

People are encouraged to share their experiences with us in the “official Flickr RailGating group” by taking photos of your Sun Devil pride.

** Update: Check out these two cool RailGating articles form the ASU State Press and from AT&T Sparky Central! **

View RailGating Map in a larger map

Phoenix needs to step up this weekend is a post from: Rail Life

Ever wonder how Tom Simplot looks pushing a broom? We just might get a chance to find out if the current light rail ridership numbers hold true to what is believed to be an advantage for Mesa. I spoke to a Metro employee recently and was told Mesa is leading the way in light rail boardings for the month of September.

You might recall that there is a light rail ridership contest for the month of September between Mesa Vice Mayor Kyle Jones and Phoenix Vice Mayor Tom Simplot. The Montebello and 19th Avenue (794 parking spaces) station and the Sycamore / Main Street (802 parking spaces) station are battling it out for the distinction of having the most boardings.  Remember, we are talking a “high stakes” contest here with the “loser” having to clean the winner’s station.

Lucky for Phoenix, there is not an ASU football game this weekend as the games appear to be quite popular with light rail riders coming from the East Valley. I’m sure people take light rail from Phoenix to watch the football games, but not nearly as many. Phoenix did probably get some help from the Diamondbacks recently when “Baxter” was on hand to do an early morning promotion, but my bet is on Mesa to continue to have the larger number of boardings. We’ll know soon enough!

Another Busy Week – Light Rail Style is a post from: Rail Life

Looks like there are a ton of cool things to do along the line over the next few weeks. I’m sure that trend will continue, but I thought I’d mention a few fun things coming up in Tempe for this week.  Next week, I’ll fill you in on some of the cool stuff happening in Phoenix.

1. This Thursday, you can check out the new Market on Mill.  From an email I got today, I read: “The Market is a joint venture with the Downtown Tempe Community (DTC) and the Phoenix Permaculture Guild and will take place every Thursday from 5 – 9pm on the plaza in front of the MADCAP Theaters.

Unlike a traditional farmer’s market, the Market on Mill will be very community-focused (local growers, artisans, crafters, restaurants, bands) and also be the first carbon neutral, "green" community market in Arizona!  The Market opens with a soft launch this Thursday, September 3rd and will have its official Grand Opening on Thursday, October 15.”

I am looking forward to checking out the market, especially when the weather finally breaks. Take light rail to the 3rd/Mill station and walk south to the market.

2. EVFN at Studios 5C:  Once again, our friends at Lunchbox Collective are hosting East Valley Friday Nights. From them, I got this info:

This quarter’s featured artist is Logan Bellew, his show is titled Clean #2. The location is Studios 5C Gallery at 502 S. College Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281 (the reception and gallery are on the third floor).  Studios 5C is located just south of the light rail station at 5th and College ( Sun Devil Stadium station). Lunchbox Collective will be providing beer & wine along with hors d’oeuvres. ( seriously! )

Date & Time: Friday September 4th 6-8 PM

3. ASU Football at Sun Devil Stadium: Saturday night, we get to watch some ASU Football.  In fact, this is the first season where light rail will drop people off right in front of the stadium. Talk about convenience. Take advantage of one of the free park and ride lots and head to the game! Go Devils!!

September Light Rail Ridership Contest is a post from: Rail Life

It is no big secret that light rail ridership numbers have been down over the HOT summer months. Obviously, the numbers have been affected by ASU students out for summer break and people not using the system as much during the summer months for recreational use, etc.  However, returning students using their “U-Pass” for riding light rail, along with more pleasant temperatures, should help boost September light rail ridership numbers.

The number of boardings at the end of the line park and ride lots were recently a topic of discussion between Mesa Vice Mayor Kyle Jones and Phoenix Vice Mayor Tom Simplot.  While at a press conference detailing the new “Adopt A Station” program, Mr. Simplot challenged Mr. Jones to a contest for the month of September. Basically, the contest is to see which of the end-of-the-line stations have the most boardings.  As the largest stations and the beginning and ending of the light rail system, these two light rail park and ride lots see a lot of use. So far, Mesa has had the highest use with Phoenix looking to take over that very prestigious spot.

We are talking a “high stakes” contest here with the “loser” having to clean the winner’s station. The Montebello and 19th Avenue (794 spaces) station and the Sycamore / Main Street (802 spaces) station are battling it out for the distinction of having the most boardings.

Take a look at the following video where Simplot challenges Jones. Each of the contestants wants to remind anyone that has a U-Pass or an employer issued card to make sure and “tap that card”!

Metro Park and Ride Update – Made in the shade? is a post from: Rail Life

Recently, we mentioned that a meeting would be held to discuss the Central/Camelback park and ride expansion, detailing the current design for an additional 165 – 175 more parking spaces that will be entirely shaded by shade canopies.  That meeting was held yesterday and since I wasn’t able to make it, I was really happy to hear that my good friend, David was at the meeting. David writes one of my favorite blogs, PHX Rail Food and is very in-tune with our light rail system. I am happy that he agreed to write the following guest post for Rail Life to give us a feel for what took place at the recent meeting. Thanks David!

Central/Camelback Expansion

If Metro’s latest plans come to fruition, light rail users from Uptown Phoenix and nearby neighborhoods may enjoy more parking and more shade by this time next year. The evening of Tuesday, August 11, Metro Light Rail and the City of Phoenix hosted a public meeting at Central High School. The topic was a proposed expansion of the Central/Camelback park-and-ride, along with the addition of shade canopies over most parking spaces. Even as the northwest extension along 19th Avenue is stalled due to shortfalls in Transit 2000 tax revenues, the City has been able to obtain federal stimulus funds for an enhancement of this small but popular park-and-ride.

Before Metro staff addressed the audience, an unannounced guest, Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon, took the stage. The Mayor emphasized that he was speaking more as a neighbor (Gordon’s residence is within a few blocks of Central and Camelback.) than as the City’s chief executive. He talked about jobs to be created by the construction project and the benefit of more abundant and attractive parking options for light rail users. Long a fan of coffee houses, the Mayor also took a moment to recognize Lola Coffee, a popular new hangout near the Central/Camelback station.

After Gordon’s brief remarks, Metro staffer Gary Flunoy took over and explained project details. During light rail construction, the entire southern side of Camelback from Central to 7th Avenue was cleared. Initially, the eastern half of the property was used to create the existing park-and-ride. Currently, that park-and-ride consists of two portions: A square lot west of 3rd Avenue and a rectangular peninsula east of 3rd Avenue. The peninsula ends in a cul-de-sac, known in transit jargon as a “kiss-and-ride.” This is an area in which cars may park for up to 30 minutes while dropping off or picking up customers.

The plan for the park-and-ride expansion is to create a second peninsula extending west from the square portion of the lot and continuing all the way to 7th Avenue, where it will terminate in a second kiss-and-ride cul-de-sac. Because the western end of the park-and-ride will be much closer to the 7th Avenue / Camelback station than the Central / Camelback station, the expanded lot will in effect serve both stations, an unusual arrangement in transit planning. Although passengers boarding at the Central / Camelback station can walk from their cars to the train platform without crossing any streets, anyone using the western end of the park-and-ride will have to cross both 7th Avenue and the eastbound lanes of Camelback Road to reach the trains.

The growth of the park-and-ride to nearly double its existing size will come at the same time that shade canopies will be installed over at least some of the spaces at all park-and-rides in Phoenix. At Central and Camelback, the plan is to complete the expanded portion first and then go back and add shade over the existing spaces. That sequence will ensure no disruption of existing parking opportunities until the new spaces are available. Once the project is complete, virtually all spaces at Central and Camelback will be covered. Interestingly, at least one billboard on the stretch of land from 3rd Avenue to 7th Avenue will remain as part of the new park-and-ride.

The project is a complex one — probably more complex than it would appear at first glance. Utilities and even irrigation lines affecting the homes behind the park-and-ride in the Pierson Place historic district will have to be replaced. As at most of these meetings, audience reactions varied from enthusiasm about expanded transit amenities to concern about impacts on the surrounding neighborhood, which was significantly affected during the original light rail construction project from 2005 until 2008. One member of the audience inquired about the possibility of redeveloping the southern side of Camelback as a small business corridor. Metro staff replied that was more likely west of 7th Avenue. Another inquiry focused on the possibility of establishing taxi stands at either or both kiss-and-rides. At this point, there is no plan for official taxi stands, but any passenger may call a cab from the train and request a pick up at either cul-de-sac.

Design review meeting for Metro Northwest Extension park-and-ride is a post from: Rail Life

More information will soon be available concerning the design of the Park and Ride lot at the upcoming Northwest Extension of the Phoenix light rail line. As I mentioned in the past, there is still discussion of how the park and ride lot will be built. I have heard of a covered  "garage" type structure or the possibility of a surface lot with a deck. (one level of covered parking) Given the fact that it is getting really hot and the fact that there is currently only one covered park and ride garage, one might hope they are leaning towards more covered parking. Soon, we will hear new details… Here is a press release issued by Metro today.

For immediate release
May 20, 2008

Northwest Extension park-and-ride design review meeting

PHOENIX — A public meeting is scheduled to discuss the design of the Dunlap park-and-ride in METRO’s Northwest Extension with neighboring stakeholders.  The park-and-ride site is planned for the southwest corner of 19th Avenue and Dunlap.

METRO and City of Phoenix staff will be on-hand to provide the latest conceptual design for the site.  Public feedback is sought in order to develop a facility that works for the surrounding community and users of the system.

Dunlap Park-and-Ride Design Public Meeting
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
6 – 8 p.m.; presentation begins at 6:30 p.m.
Richard E. Miller Elementary School
2021W. Alice Ave.

The Northwest Extension will be the first extension off the 20-mile METRO starter line, taking light rail service farther north on 19th Avenue to Dunlap.  It is a 3.2-mile extension funded by the City of Phoenix.  Light rail construction will begin in this corridor once an agreement is reached between METRO and its contractor.

Metro Light Rail Frequently Asked Questions is a post from: Rail Life

Many people come here with questions on how to use Metro’s Light Rail system. While we are NOT associated with Metro, we do try to find answers to the most frequently asked questions we receive.  We will do our best to update the information as needed. However, if there is a mistake or if there is something you would like added to the page, please let us know.

How much is a light rail pass?

The light rail fares will be changing as of July 1, 2009, but currently an all day pass is $2.50 and is probably the most common fare purchased. Bus and light rail passes are the same and can be used the same day. Weekly and monthly fares are available.

Light rail  – 1 single ride $1.25
— All day pass $2.50
— 3 day pass $7.50
— 7 day pass $17.50
— 31 day pass $45

*Reduced fares are available to: Youth (ages 6-18), Seniors (age 65 and over), and Persons with a disability. One ride is $0.60, a day pass is $1.25 a 3 day pass is $3.75 and a 7 day pass is $8.75. Current bus and light rail fare information can be found on Metro’s “Fare Options” page.

Where are the Light Rail Park and Ride lots?

There are currently eight park and ride lots located along the 20 mile route.  They are located at:

1. Montebello and 19th Avenue (794 spaces)
2. 19th Avenue and Camelback (410 spaces)
3. Central Avenue and Camelback (135 spaces)
4. 38th Street and Washington (189 spaces)
5. Dorsey Lane / Apache Blvd (190 spaces)
6. McClintock Drive / Apache Blvd (300 spaces)
7. Loop 101 Freeway / Apache Blvd (693 spaces)
8. Sycamore / Main Street (802 spaces)

These Park and Ride lots are free of charge.

What are the Hours of operation for Metro Light Rail? How often do they run?

Weekday Hours. The first full trip of the day begins at 4:35 a.m. at  Sycamore/Main and at 4:40 a.m. at the Montebello/19th Ave station. The last full trips of the day currently  begin at 11 p.m., arriving at the opposite end of the line at midnight. In the future, Metro may consider running trains later on the weekends.  There will also be special event schedules, which can change without notice. These schedules can accommodate shorter frequency and longer hours to help move large crowds. For more information a PDF of Metro’s detailed service schedule is here. Please note, arrival times are estimates and Metro’s schedule is subject to change without much notice.

Frequency: During the week, trains arrive every 10 minutes from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.; all other hours, every 20 minutes.

Weekend and holiday hours. Trains begin the first full trip of the day at 5 a.m. at the end-of-the-line stations. The last full trip of the day begins at 11 p.m., arriving at the opposite end of the line at midnight. ** Update** Weekend hours are being extended as of July of 2009. Friday night / Saturday morning and Saturday night / Sunday morning service runs until past 2 a.m. METRO will offer its last full trip of the day at 2 a.m. Saturday and Sunday mornings, arriving at the opposite end of the line at 3 a.m.  METRO will continue to provide 20-minute service in this extended period. An evaluation of ridership and costs associated with the service extension will occur after six months.

Frequency on weekends and holidays. Trains arrive every 15 minutes between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m.; all other hours, every 20 minutes.

What are the Approximate travel times between stations: <—that link shows an estimated time schedule we ran in February of 09. Light Rail Travel times currently listed on Metro’s site indicate:

Entire 20-miles takes approximately 70 minutes.

Downtown Phoenix to downtown Tempe takes approximately 25 minutes.

Downtown Tempe to the Sycamore / Main Transit Center in Mesa takes approximately 15 minutes

Mesa to downtown Phoenix takes approximately 40 minutes.

Christown Spectrum Mall to ASU Tempe campus takes approximately 45 minutes.

Christown Spectrum Mall to Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport free shuttle, connecting at the 44th Street / Washington station will take approximately
35 minutes.

Light Rail from Downtown Phoenix to Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport free shuttle takes approximately 15 minutes, but please plan for more time to get to the airport via the shuttle bus.

Does Light Rail Service ASU?

Yes, and there has been great interest in the light rail system from ASU students and staff. Don’t miss the Parking and Transit FAQ’s from the ASU Parking and Transportation Department.

What about Air-Conditioning, Handicap accessibility and Bikes? <—see video

Are the Cars Air-conditioned?

Yes, each light rail car is air-conditioned and  Metro feels the cars are very well equipped to handle the extreme summer heat in Arizona. From what we were told, the cars have been tested in up to 137 degree heat.

Is Light Rail Handicap Accessible?

Yes, Vehicle-wheelchair accessibility was extremely important to the design of the cars. These are “low floor vehicles” with places for 4 chairs in each car.

• Wheelchair tie-downs are not necessary on the train. There is little lateral movement, and computer-controlled acceleration and braking systems ensure smooth transitions and stops.
• There are four wheelchair areas in each vehicle. Aisles are large enough to accommodate wheelchairs.

Are bikes allowed on Light Rail cars?

Bicycles are very common on light rail with each car having 4 bike racks.

What is the Passenger Capacity of Light Rail?

According to Metro, each vehicle is 90′ long, can seat 66 passengers and comfortably accommodate 175 with a maximum capacity of 225 people.

Where does it go?

Check out our Light Rail Map where you can click on views of the stations and surrounding areas.

For some additional information, you can also see “10 things I remember” from a tour of a light rail car nearly a year before the grand opening.

We hope you find this information useful. Please feel free to contact Metro Light Rail for specific questions, rules, regulations or guidelines. Again, RailLife.com is not associated with Metro. This information is provided from sources we believe to be accurate, but is for informational purposes and is subject to change without notice.