Foreman Talks Tempe Transit is a post from: Rail Life

Transportation in Tempe, or anywhere around the country, can be a very interesting topic. With a couple of very heated battles happening in the Tempe political arena recently, transit seems to have been a bit more quiet than one might expect.

Tempe has light rail, their bus system and the popular Orbit systems for people to use. The kid friendly transit passes allow any Tempe resident, up to age 18, to ride for free which is a great program designed to help introduce people to public transit.

Recently, I saw the video below by Tempe city council candidate Dick Foreman speaking of our transit system and of the proposed Tempe Streetcar project.

As some of you may know, I’ve been a huge fan of watching the economic growth and opportunities along our light rail line. It’s no big secret that I think fixed route transit lines create opportunity and economic development along with providing the opportunity for people to live a less car-dependant lifestyle if they so choose. Take a look at this short video to hear what our friend, Dick Foreman has to say about the future of transportation in Tempe.

“when you take in to account the tax dollars from development, the jobs created and the construction fees, the streetcar will be a great asset to developing a modern city.” – Dick Foreman

Yes, I am happy to support Dick Foreman for Tempe City Council. I hope you will too.

3rd Commercial Tower For Hayden Ferry Lakeside is a post from: Rail Life

Another large commercial building project is about to break ground in the city of Tempe at the super swanky Hayden Ferry Lakeside complex. Currently, Hayden Ferry consists of two luxurious business towers and two residential towers known as Edgewater and Bridgeview.

The towers at Hayden Ferry are one of the most prestigious addresses in the valley and one of the premier places in the Southwest for companies looking for class A office space. Hayden Ferry is currently home to companies like Microsoft, KPMG, Smith Barney and many more. In fact, I think it was 2008 when Fidelity National Title relocated to Hayden Ferry from 24th St and Camelback. Senior management at Fidelity tells me that they have been VERY happy with their move into such a beautiful building in this awesome environment. Fidelity has the entire 11th floor of Tower 2 at Hayden Ferry, with some of the best views imaginable.

The new 10-story, 245,000 square foot, Class A office tower will be located at the NE corner of Mill and Rio Salado Parkway. Per Tempe.gov, the building finishes will incorporate the notable cobalt blue glass, aluminum panels and horizontal mullion expression of the window system. The landscape and hardscape materials will be consistent with what has already been established previously with the metaphoric stream, blue paving, completing the design as originally conceived.

Artists rendering of Tower 3 at Hayden Ferry

Much was discussed today about the creation of jobs and the state of the market in the area. A lot of people in suits were practically high-fiving each other with excitement about the project. Many of us believe that the real estate market has seen a bottom. Now that the “big boys” are starting to step up and build again, it’s a clear sign that things have turned for the better.

“Hayden Ferry Lakeside was the first mixed-use development in downtown Tempe and the first development to build here at Town Lake. It’s appropriate that once again, the development once again leads the high rise construction industry,” Tempe Mayor Hugh Hallman

 
Tempe Mayor Hallman talks at Hayden Ferry

Developers at today’s press conference seemed to feel as if the towers will fill quickly and construction is set to begin by year’s end per AZCentral.

Given the super-cool location of Hayden Ferry, there will soon be more people “Rockin’ the Rail Life!”

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Tempe Renewing FREE Transit Passes is a post from: Rail Life

Recently, the city of Tempe began issuing new transit passes to current and new participants of the Tempe Youth FREE Transit Pass program. The new youth transit passes are valid July 1, 2011 – June 30, 2012.

2011-2012 passes can be obtained at the Tempe Transportation Center located at 200 E 5th Street which is adjacent to the light rail station at Veterans Way / College Avenue ( Sun Devil Station, just East of Mill ). There will also be special on-site registrations at the Tempe Public Library located at 3500 S. Rural Road on May 21, 2011 AND Aug. 20, 2011 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The youth pass is good for Tempe residents between the ages of 6-18. All children ages 5 and under ride for free, no pass is necessary. Other discounted fares are available, see the METRO fare page for complete details.

This program is a GREAT way to introduce kids to public transportation.

From the City of Tempe Transportation page we get the following information:

What is the Tempe Youth Transit Pass Program?

The Tempe Youth Transit Pass Program allows all eligible Tempe youth ages 6 to 18 to ride regional and local Valley Metro bus routes and the METRO light rail for free. 

What is required to get the pass if I am under the age of 18?

• A parent or guardian must accompany the youth when registering for the program

• Your most recent utility bill with a Tempe address (i.e., water, cable, electric, phone)

• Youth’s birth certificate

• A valid driver’s license/photo ID of parent/guardian

• If you are the step parent or legal guardian you must also bring a copy of your marriage license or state guardianship papers. Notarized guardianship papers are not acceptable proof of guardianship.

What is required to get the pass if I am age 18?

• A valid driver’s license, ID pass or US passport

• Your most recent utility bill with a Tempe address (i.e., water, cable, electric, phone)

• An 18 year old who lives at home with a parent or guardian may use the parent or guardians utility bill as proof of address if they bring a birth certificate and the parent or guardian with them to get the pass. This provides proof that the name listed on the utility bill is the parent or guardian.

• Passes are deactivated when the youth turns age 19.

Where do I go to get my free transit pass?

You can get the pass at the Tempe Transit Store located at 200 E. Fifth Street Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Free one hour public parking is located at 117 E. Fifth St. across from the Transportation Center.

How do I use my pass when boarding a bus or using light rail?

Bus: Upon boarding the bus, tap the pass to reader. Do not deposit into farebox. Light Rail: Validate the pass by hovering your pass over the station reader on the light rail platform before boarding.

What happens if I lose my pass?

You can get a new pass (up to three in one year) by paying a $5 replacement fee. To get a replacement pass, visit the Tempe Transit Store located at 200 E. Fifth Street.

Is the Youth transit pass only good for taking trips to school?

No. You can use your transit pass to travel for any purpose to any destination on any Valley Metro bus route or on the METRO light rail. Use your transit pass on weekends, holidays, and even during school breaks.

As a reminder, discounted passes are also available to ASU students in the form of the ASU U-Pass which is a discounted pass for riding the bus and light rail. If you are a student, don’t forget to take advantage of the U-Pass.

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More Stretching of Mill Avenue District? is a post from: Rail Life

This Thursday, the Tempe City council meeting will have a couple of interesting decisions in front of them concerning projects near the expanding Mill Avenue District.

There will be a zoning discussion talking about the El Fenix development along Tempe Town Lake. This project has been debated by many as being a sign of recovery to being another pipe dream that will go up in smoke if started any time soon.

One of the interesting topics that comes up when discussing development along the lake is the potential for a rail ( modern streetcar ) line along Rio Salado. proponents say the development potential along the south side of the lake, heading towards Tempe Marketplace, could be a catalyst for some major improvements to an area that has serious potential. When looking at the recent commercial leasing successes at Hayden Ferry, it is hard to argue that “lakefront” property in Arizona has an appeal to businesses.

Another item on the agenda for the council this week has to do with a historic designation for the Laird-Simpson House on Mill Avenue which is located in the ultra-cool Maple Ash neighborhood. Built in 1940, this historically significant property is located at 1204 S Mill Avenue and is along the proposed Modern Streetcar line which will run from Rio Salado to Southern along Mill Avenue.

So, if you have an interest in the future of the Mill Avenue District, you might want to get involved in the discussion at some of the Tempe Council meetings.

More Light Rail Service Cuts Possible is a post from: Rail Life

Just last year we were talking about transportation cuts. The realities of poor sales tax revenue appear to be the main cause of the continued need to make budget changes in many areas. While last year’s cuts didn’t seem to hurt too bad, the pain probably isn’t over. Once again, we are hearing talks of potential transportation cuts to bus, light rail and city circular services.

While advertising on light rail cars appears to be popular and ridership numbers ( according to METRO ) were up approximately 11% in 2010 above 2009 numbers, red ink still appears to be flowing. While no certain cuts to service appear to be set in stone, we have smoke and will probably have fire in the not-too distant future. The City of Tempe released a transit survey yesterday asking people for input and feedback concerning potential service cuts.

On the survey, I counted 19 service-related questions. Three of the questions had to do with potential light rail service cuts, 9 questions about potential cuts to local bus service, 5 questions about express bus service, and 2 questions about changes to the Orbit system. Two of the three questions about light rail talked about eliminating “night rail” service, our late night service which runs on Friday and Saturday nights. The third light rail question has to do with changing the weekday frequency from 12 to 15 minutes. While standing on a platform in the middle of the day doesn’t sound too bad in the nice weather we are having, those 110 degree temps will be back soon enough, if ya’ know what I mean…

In 2009, we were told that the approximate annual cost to extend the late night hours for light rail was $254,000.

Please note: NONE of these potential changes have been voted on.  Several public meetings are coming up for people to voice their opinion. In fact, there needs to be a consensus between the three cities of Phoenix, Tempe and Mesa before changes take place. I recently heard a City of Tempe transportation employee say that he didn’t expect any real changes to rail for fiscal year 2012. 

You are encouraged to TAKE THE SURVEY and give your opinion. Of course, I’d like to hear your opinion here, as well. Will changes and further cuts cause you to use public transportation less? What are other options? Do you think there is a possibility of more public / private investment in service? Could Arizona do something similar to what is happening in Seattle where employers along transportation lines chip in to help offset some of the costs of maintaining frequency or late night hours? Watch for more politics and posturing in the near future as these talks continue, it’s going to get interesting…

Valley Metro Elects New Officers is a post from: Rail Life

Congrats go out to Shana Ellis of Tempe for being elected to Chair the 2011 Valley Metro Board of Directors. Shana has been very active in serving as Tempe’s representative to the Metro Rail Board and has been involved with many of their projects. Also elected were Ron Ames and Michael Johnson. Each of these people, along with many people at METRO and Valley Metro, is doing a ton of good work for transportation in the Valley. Following is yesterday’s press release with more details.

Valley Metro Board Elects New Officers

PHOENIX (Jan. 31, 2011) – Tempe Councilmember Shana Ellis was elected Chair of the 2011 Valley Metro Board of Directors serving a one-year term along with Peoria Councilmember Ron Aames as Vice Chair and Phoenix Councilmember Michael Johnson as Treasurer.

“I’m very honored to have been selected as the Chair of the Valley Metro Board of Directors,” said the newly-elected Valley Metro Chair, Tempe Councilmember Shana Ellis.  "We have a very exciting and challenging year ahead of us and I look forward to working with my colleagues on addressing the many transportation issues facing the Valley."

In 1993, the Regional Public Transportation Authority board adopted the name Valley Metro as the identity for the regional transit system in the Phoenix metropolitan area. Under the Valley Metro brand, local governments joined to fund the Valley-wide transit system that the public sees on the streets today.

Valley Metro Board member agencies include Avondale, Buckeye, Chandler, El Mirage, Gilbert, Glendale, Goodyear, Maricopa County, Mesa, Peoria, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Surprise, Tempe, Tolleson and Wickenburg.

Centerpoint Condos Still In Limbo is a post from: Rail Life

Many people around here did the happy dance back around September when it was announced that the Centerpoint Condominium tower had been sold. The talk of bringing luxury rentals to the Mill Avenue District was welcomed with open arms by business owners, city leaders and just about anyone else watching this failed project.

It is being reported that the deal Centerpoint Tower deal has hit a snag and that there is an issue with approximately $20 million in liens on the property.

According to the Business Journal article, “the question surfaces about whether any viable deal is possible given the title issues.”

This has to be a huge bummer to MANY people on the developers side, the side of the title company ( not) insuring the transaction and to the many people looking forward to the completion of Centerpoint.

The story says the developer is upset with Fidelity National Title for not allowing them to proceed. Apparently, there are claims of numerous contractors and subcontractors having filed more than $21 million in mechanics liens against the Centerpoint project.

Obviously, there are two sides to every story. I sincerely doubt that Fidelity doesn’t want to close this deal and I am pretty sure Zaremba wants it to close. I spoke with a hotdog at Fidelity today and was told they don’t have a comment at this time. Once that changes, I’ll try to update the information. Interestingly enough, There is a great view of Centerpoint from the Fidelity corporate offices at Hayden Ferry.  I’m sure they will be keeping a very close eye on the situation.

For now, we can continue to see a vacant Centerpoint Tower. Hopefully, the lawyers figure out exactly what is next and there is a resolution to this mess soon. Anyone got an extra $20 million laying around to help get er’ done?

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Tempe Youth Transit Pass – A Great Introduction To Public Transportation is a post from: Rail Life

Do you know any kids that live in Tempe? If so, you should tell them about the Tempe Youth Transit Pass. The Tempe Youth Transit Pass allows eligible Tempe residents ages 6 to 18 to ride the METRO light rail and the Valley Metro bus system for free.

This little known program can bring a big smile to the face of kids and their parents. This year’s Tempe Youth Pass is good from 7/1/2010 to 6/30/2011. Before each boarding, the card must be tapped at a station reader for validation and proof of “payment.”

“That’s a great way to introduce kids to public transportation.” – Greg Taylor, Tempe resident and business owner.

Download the 2010/2011 registration form here:

Information on obtaining a free Tempe Youth Transit Pass is below.

What is required to get the pass if I am under the age of 18?

• A parent or guardian must accompany the youth when registering for the program

• Your most recent utility bill with a Tempe address (i.e., water, cable, electric, phone)

• Youth’s birth certificate

• A valid driver’s license/photo ID of parent/guardian

• If you are the step parent or legal guardian you must also bring a copy of your marriage license or guardianship papers.

What is required to get the pass if I am age 18?

• A valid driver’s license, ID pass or US passport

• Your most recent utility bill with a Tempe address (i.e., water, cable, electric, phone)

Where do I go to get my free transit pass?

You can get the pass at the Tempe Transit Store located at 200 E. Fifth Street within the Tempe Transportation Center building. Their hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Thanks to the city of Tempe for making this program available. We think it is a great way to involve more people in our public transportation system.

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Dave’s Electric Brew Serving Up A Treat is a post from: Rail Life

So, this weekend is going to be jam packed with a ton of great stuff to do. Halloween is coming and the Devil’s are back for a much needed home game. If you want to really kick off your weekend with a lot of social fun, we suggest heading over to Dave’s Electric Brewpub this Friday night for the best happy hour in town. Not only can you get $3 pints, cheap drink specials and 1/2 off of their happy hour food prices but the one and only Mr. JackAlert is going to be guest bartending! Yep, it’s true! If you follow the fun truck around the valley, you know that Jack drives it. The dude just knows how to rock the RailLife party scene!

Hop on the light rail this Friday and exit at the Sun Devil Stadium station. Dave’s is just south of the Veterans Way and College light rail stop on the corner of 5th and College. Join Rail Life, Jack Smith and the cool crew at Dave’s Electric Brewpub this Friday from 4-7pm for a scary good time!

WHEN: Friday, October 29th from 4-7pm

WHERE: Dave’s Electric Brewpub: 502 S College

WHY: It’s all about a good time!

View Light Rail Drinks in a larger map

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Rail Life “Flickr Pic” Of The Week – Tempe Streetcars Are Coming is a post from: Rail Life

Last week, we heard the not so surprising news that the council had approved plans to build a Streetcar line on Mill Avenue. While we had discussed some of the questions surrounding the streetcar line, the decision of the council allows for the project to move to “federal review” which will probably be rubber stamped into a final approval. Come late 2016, the streetcars should be running in Tempe.

The Tempe Streetcar will make a loop around Ash, University, Mill and Rio Salado. The entire line will then run south to Southern Avenue which should stretch the Mill Avenue District, and according to city officials, be the catalyst for future economic development.

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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