Bikes And Transit – Peanut Butter and Jelly? is a post from: Rail Life

Bike riders seem to have been big users of the Phoenix light rail system since day one of operations. In fact, I believe there has been more interest from people riding bikes on light rail trains than what was originally anticipated. Heck, that makes sense because the system as a whole seems to be much more popular than just about anyone anticipated.

There have always been questions about bikes on the light rail cars. Most people know it’s perfectly fine to bring bikes on the train while some people still are not aware that it is ok. One thing is clear, people and bikes can be found on the trains in big numbers. They go together very well.

METRO wants to know what you think about your experiences with bikes and riding the trains. How often do you ride? Do you feel safe? How do you use the system? etc.. Take a few minutes to TAKE THEIR SURVEY.

Here is some info from a METRO press release…

Bike-Transit Integration Survey

Increasing bike integration with the METRO light rail system will serve to expand the catchment areas in the first and last miles of travel. This will help to accommodate the growing demand of bicyclists and pedestrians, and will effectively grow METRO into a more complete and accessible system.

We are looking for your feedback. If your commute involves biking and riding METRO light rail, please take our survey. The survey will take five minutes to complete. Click here to get started.

If you get around one world on two wheels, you definitely want to participate in this survey. I’m sure the data can be used to help make your transit experience better.

What other ways can you say it? 

bikes and transit are like…

peanut butter and jelly

pizza and beer

????

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Friends With Benefits is a post from: Rail Life

I read an article from our friends at Wrangler News recently titled, “Metro Light Rail Benefits surpass expectations.”

The article starts out talking about the fact that we still have a long way to go in the Phoenix area if we want to make any real environmental impacts with our transportation system. Awareness of cool walk able lifestyles and neighborhoods, extending the light rail line and /or streetcar system further into other parts of town, and creating what METRO calls a “total transit network” should all help save a few trees in the future.

“Until it expands to reach a larger number of people, it will not be a major source of environmental efficiency.” – Rob Melnick, ASU Global Institute of Sustainability

Budget concerns and opposition to Prop 400 are also discussed along with the fact that we live in a car culture in the Metro Phoenix area.

METRO Benefits Communities:

Social and economic benefits of the light rail line are mentioned as they talk about several of the changes we have seen along the Apache corridor. While the Wrangler News has a good niche in Tempe and they focus the article on Tempe neighborhoods, the same benefits hold true for downtown Phoenix, the Central Avenue corridor and the entire 20 mile light rail line.

“Prior to 2004 and starting in the mid-1990s, Apache Boulevard, a thoroughfare in north Tempe, had become a haven for prostitutes, dive bars and drug addicts. After the opening of light rail stops along the way, the area was mostly able to shake off its rough reputation and, in recent years, has become a popular housing area for ASU students.”

Encore of Farmer

With neighborhood improvements along the line many other benefits follow. New restaurants, shops, and housing opportunities have reportedly created BILLIONS of dollars in economic impact. While many feel the economy has pretty much sucked since the opening of the line, there has been some very positive growth in key aspects of “life along the line.”

Onnie Shekerjian is a member of the Tempe City Council and says in the article, “The light rail was a very expensive form of transportation, but the fact that it cleared up a blighted area and brought in immense economic development is something that made me very interested.” Onnie isn’t alone in her interest in the benefits of light rail. Politicians, students, and business owners all seem to agree that we have seen many benefits to the region since the trains began running a few short years ago.

Take a look at the Wrangler News article, the benefits are many…

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Teen Hit By Light Rail Train is a post from: Rail Life

For a while, it seemed like light rail accidents made the news fairly often. Cars and trains just didn’t seem to play well together when the system was new. Most of the time, we would hear that people were not paying attention to the road or were unfamiliar with the location of the tracks. It seems far more common for a light rail train to have an accident with a car than a person. The last “big” story I recall was when a man suffered a head injury back in November of 2010 while being pushed nearly 40 feet by a light rail car. I’m not sure what happened to that man, hopefully, he is ok.

Tonight, we hear of a teenage man hit by a train in Phoenix after stepping off of the platform and onto the tracks. Apparently, the 17 year old was struck at approximately 7PM near Central and Campbell Avenues.

According to Phoenix Fire Dept, the teen had a “pretty serious head injury” and was taken to the hospital. Thankfully, Jared Montoya was at the train station and was to help pull the boy out from under the train.

Teen Hit by Light Rail Train in Phoenix: MyFoxPHOENIX.com

Remember to obey the signs and watch for the trains. They are really big and can hurt you if you are not careful. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the teen. We hope he is well, soon.

Accidents happen. Safety first, folks. Just like momma’ told you!

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METRO Introduces Holiday Train is a post from: Rail Life

Ho Ho Ho… All aboard the Holiday Train! METRO and Local First are at it again, looking to remind people to Shift the way they shop along the line. Get out there and find the Holiday Train, snap a few pics and be entered to win some cool stuff. Heck, it doesn’t get much easier than that. You’re riding the train anyway, might as well snag some free stuff. Hurry, the fun is only around for a limited time…

METRO Holiday Train rolls into service

PHOENIX, AZ — 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.

METRO To Run Holiday Schedule For Thanksgiving is a post from: Rail Life

No big surprise here but you should be mindful that METRO will be running a holiday schedule on Thanksgiving. It IS a holiday, after all… They will return to a normal schedule for your Black Friday shopping experiences. :)

Light rail to run Sunday schedule on Thanksgiving

Returning to regular service on Friday

METRO will operate on a Sunday schedule on Thanksigiving, Thursday, November 24. Trains run every 20 minutes on Sundays and holidays. Service will return to a regular schedule on Friday, November 25, including late-night service until after 2 a.m.

Buses also observe a Sunday/holiday schedule on Thanksgiving, but continue a holiday schedule through Friday, November 25.

Click here for the service schedules of the upcoming December holidays.

METRO Raising Fees Again? is a post from: Rail Life

So, how would you like to be able to share your opinions on higher bus and light rail fares? Sounds like you will have ample opportunity to do so at some upcoming meetings. Can you change their mind? Does public input really make a difference? Time will tell. See the recent news from Valley Metro. Also, see the report from the East Valley Tribune.

Valley Metro Requests Input on Transit Fare Changes

Changes would take effect as early as July 2012

Phoenix (Nov. 14, 2011) Changes to bus and light rail fares will be discussed at public hearings in November and December. A price increase would impact the cost to ride the bus and light rail as early as July 2012. The current one-ride fare of $1.75 would possibly increase to $2.00 and the All-day pass purchased in advance would cost riders $4.00 instead of the current cost of $3.50. The 31-day pass would increase from $55.00 to $64.00 and the Express 31-day pass price would change from $85.00 to $96.00.

“Asking riders to consider paying a higher fare for transit service is never easy,” said Dave Boggs, Valley Metro executive director. “We know that transit service is important and that riders are willing to pay a little more to keep the service they need to get to work, school and vital appointments.”

In addition, Phoenix and East Valley ADA Dial-a-Ride services, the Arizona State University U-Pass, and the Platinum Pass will also be impacted by the fare change. Valley Metro plans to introduce a new 15-day pass and eliminate the 3-day pass due to its limited use.

If approved, the rural route fare structure will be simplified to a fare of $4.00 ($2.00 Reduced fare) per one-way trip. Rural Route 685 provides service between Ajo, Gila Bend and Phoenix.

To maintain a business standard established by the Valley Metro Board of Directors, the agency has a goal to recover at least 25 percent of the cost of transit operations from fares. Changes to fares will be considered every three years to help retain the 25 percent goal.  Currently, passengers are paying about 23 percent of their cost to ride bus and light rail and that amount continues to decrease as the cost of operations continues to rise. Many transit agencies across the United States are experiencing budgetary struggles. According to the American Public Transit Association (APTA), nearly eight in ten transit agencies (79%) have cut service or raised fares or are considering either of these actions.

The public meetings are designed to collect input that will then be presented to the Valley Metro Board of Directors next spring for consideration and approval. Fare change public meetings are scheduled for:

Tuesday, November 15

Town of Buckeye Council Chambers

530 E Monroe Avenue

Buckeye, AZ

Presentation during regular Council Meeting: 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday, November 30

Cesar Chavez Library

3635 W. Baseline Road

Phoenix, AZ

Open House: Noon-12:30 p.m.

Public Hearing: 12:30-1:15 p.m.

Wednesday, November 30

Juniper Branch Library

1825 W. Union Hills

Phoenix, AZ

Open House: 5:30-6:00 p.m.

Public Hearing: 6:00-6:45 p.m.

Monday, December 5

Maryvale Community Center

4420 North 51st Avenue

Phoenix, AZ

Open House: Noon-12:30 p.m.

Public Hearing: 12:30-1:15 p.m.

Tuesday, December 6

Valley Metro RPTA, Lake Powell Room

101 N. 1^st Ave., Ste. 1300

Phoenix, AZ

Open House: Noon-12:30 p.m.

Public Hearing: 12:30-1:15 p.m.

Tuesday, December 6

Tempe Transportation Center, Don Cassano Room

200 E. Fifth Street

Tempe, AZ

Open House: 6:00-6:30 p.m.

Public Hearing: 6:30-7:15 p.m.

Wednesday, December 7

Mesa City Plaza, Room 170

20 E. Main Street

Mesa, AZ

Open House: 6:00-6:30 p.m.

Public Hearing: 6:30-7:15 p.m.

Thursday, December 8

Glendale City Council Chambers

5850 W. Glendale Avenue

Glendale, AZ

Open House: 6:00-6:30 p.m.

Public Hearing: 6:30-7:15 p.m.

Other methods to provide input on the proposed fare changes:

• Email comments to fares@valleymetro.org
• Provide input via an electronic survey at www.ValleyMetro.org beginning November 28

· Send comments by mail to:

Valley Metro RPTA

Attn: Fare Program Manager

101 N. 1^st Ave., Ste. 1100

Phoenix, AZ 85003

• Phone call comments to Customer Service at 602.253.5000

Comments on the recommended fare changes will be accepted through Friday, December 9, 2011.

Valley Metro transit fares can be purchased in advance at more than 400 retail outlets throughout the Valley, city halls, public libraries, transit centers, fare vending machines at METRO light rail stations, online at ValleyMetro.org, and through an Automatic Mail Plan by calling 602.495.5795.

Comments Sought For Passenger Rail Between Phoenix Tucson is a post from: Rail Life

Arizona PIRG has shared a lot of information on passenger rail in Arizona and the public has had opportunities to attend meetings to discuss its pros and cons.

We are being asked to share our comments with ADOT to let them know what people think about having passenger rail between Phoenix to Tucson:

“Imagine riding a passenger train between Phoenix and Tucson, one that would be quicker than driving and have great on-time performance.

The Arizona Department of Transportation is now accepting comments on what the public wants to see for a passenger rail connecting Phoenix and Tucson.” – Arizona PIRG

You can share your info on the Arizona PIRG Facebook page or you can submit comments on their web site <—by clicking that link.

Transportation delays can be costly, the pros and cons need to be looked at very closely. Make sure you give them your .02.

Friends Of Transit, Foes Of Transit: Who Wins? is a post from: Rail Life

Last week’s Transit Means Business Conference in Phoenix was well attended by transit geeks, politicians and METRO staff.

If you have an interest in transit, I would strongly recommend that you connect with Friends of Transit and get on their mailing list.

Speaking at the conference were:

Yvonne Hunter: Board Chair, Friends of Transit, addressed how and why transit is important to business.

Eric Emmert: Dorn Policy Group, spoke about how the current transit system evolved and shared about current transit issues in Arizona. Eric is very knowledgeable about how business and transportation issues combine in economically positive ways. Obviously, transit is important to business.

Don Keuth: Phoenix Community Alliance, also spoke of some of the challenges and issues facing transit today, as well as the future of how business and transit can effectively move forward in the coming years.

The conference was not just about the success of the Phoenix light rail system, it was an opportunity to learn about past, present and future transportation in Arizona. To me, it’s always interesting to hear the complexities of an effective transportation system. The multiple agencies involved, multiple funding sources ( local, regional, state, federal etc. ), and the seemingly endless amount of red tape, regulations, and posturing that goes into the process. It still cracks me up that people think the light rail system was the cause of the 2009 fare increase.

As far as the future of transportation needs in the valley, Don spoke of the next couple of decades and of the millions of people that will be living in Arizona. Said Keuth, “we don’t need more luxury condos.” In fact, there will be a need for infill developments in great locations where people can live closer to transportation systems instead of having an automobile as their only option. Adding millions of cars to our freeway system probably isn’t the only way to grow our economy…

Expanding Or Not?

The Mesa light rail extension and the Tempe Streetcar project have both been talked about a lot in transit circles, and both projects appear to be moving forward as well as can be expected. Back in February we learned that Mesa is recommended to receive $38 million in fiscal year 2012, and that METRO is requesting $72 million from the FTA for Central Mesa. In Tempe, we hear that more streetcar information will soon be available about future stations, operations, and more. One would assume they are fairly confident in their funding sources.

Will Funding Be There?

We heard talk of public / private partnerships during the Friends of Transit conference, and basically agreed that it is always difficult to find someone to write a check for the costs involved. Others have studied public / private promises and pitfalls and would probably agree that there is no easy answer.

This morning we are hearing more about possible challenges to current funding sources for our light rail extensions.

From today’s AZCentral report by Sean Holstege:

“Mesa has been promised, but has not received, half of the $70 million in federal transit grants it needs for a downtown light-rail extension. Tempe will apply for discretionary grants later this year for a streetcar.

And Phoenix has some, but not all, of the federal money it needs to study a light-rail line to south Phoenix.

All these requests could be cut, eliminated or delayed.”

More decisions are sure to come in the months ahead. We have been told that light rail extensions planned in the east valley are moving forward, but most people realize these promises were not written in stone. We seem to be constantly reminded of the chicken and the egg comparisons of what comes first, effective transportation systems or economic development.

Yes, we still hear that there has been $7 BILLION dollars in economic development along the line. But, who’s countin’?

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Walgreens To Sell Valley METRO Passes is a post from: Rail Life

Valley Metro Transit Passes Now Available at Walgreens Stores

170 locations added to retail network

Phoenix, AZ (Aug. 17, 2011) Now, there are 170 more reasons to buy your transit pass in advance of riding the bus and light rail. Walgreens, with 170 stores offering Valley Metro passes, has joined the transit agency network of retail partners.  With a total of more than 400 locations along transit routes selling transit fares, it’s a matter of greater convenience and cost savings for all bus and light rail passengers.

“Welcoming Walgreens as a retail partner will make it easy for customers to add transit passes to their shopping lists,” said Dave Boggs, Valley Metro executive director.

Walgreens sells Valley Metro’s most popular fare passes including All-day passes at $3.50 each or 31-day passes at $55.00 each. Reduced* fare All-day passes at $1.75 each and 31-day passes at $27.50 each are also available at Walgreens stores. Both types of passes are good for unlimited, all-day travel on both bus and light rail.

“We are pleased to offer this convenience for Valley Metro transit commuters,” said Walgreens market vice president Barry Zins. “With our presence on major corridors across the region, Walgreens is a natural destination for transit passes.  This service also fits well with our focus on offering convenient access to health and daily living needs in every community we serve. ”

Along with Walgreens, the retail fares sales line-up includes 7-Eleven stores, PLS Check Cashers stores, Fry’s Food and Safeway grocery stores. For details on locations selling fares, go to www.valleymetro.org.

Source: Valley Metro RPTA

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Finally A High-Tech Way To Find Your Train? is a post from: Rail Life

Without a doubt, there has been a big demand from transit riders to be able to get real time transit information in Phoenix. Apparently, many people can think of better things to do than wait for a train when it’s hotter than, hot. A couple of months ago, we saw a quote from METRO concerning the possibility of an upcoming system to help transit riders determine when their bus or train will be arriving at a station. “No, we’ve not built one. But this fall, we will have a way to give riders real-time info from their phones. More to come.” Well, that system has been announced. It looks like Phoenix bus and light rail riders can use a texting service called NextRide which allows passengers to enter via phone, text or online a unique five-digit code for their stop. After a text is sent, you will be notified of when the next train or bus should arrive. Signs will be located near stops and stations giving people the number they will need. If you use a particular station often, you should be able to store the number in your phone for use when you are getting close. This should be a handy way for passengers to time their ride.

Chandler LINK Bus

METRO fields a LOT of calls for train and bus schedules each year, and they hope this service will cut costs in the long run. While the system wasn’t cheap, it sounds like they think it will help.

Many people have looked for a way to see incoming trains or busses via a phone app. Unfortunately, that’s probably not happening any time soon. Open data sources are not always readily available as you can see here.

Here’s an interesting quote from popular valley transportation blogger, exit2lef.

This is a step in the right direction, but there’s still a long way to go. Two sections of the article say a lot:

"Wisner also had to wait for the successful conclusion of negotiations with the Phoenix Transit Department over acquiring the city’s trip-planning software for $53,000."

Many cities have long had their transit data open to application developers, but Phoenix is acting strangely overprotective of its data. As a result, we’re lagging behind peer cities in terms of third party applications that can integrate data about transit routes and schedules with information about neighborhoods and local businesses.

For now, a text message is “high-tech” and should help in letting people know when their bus or train will arrive. I think the 21st Century is coming soon, maybe we will be a part of it.

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