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.

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?

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.

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

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.

Tempe Town Lake Back In Action is a post from: Rail Life

Water began flowing into Tempe Town Lake on October 8th, just about 2 1/2 months after the Tempe Town Lake Dam burst in the night on July 20th 2010. Today, we heard that the lake is at normal capacity nearly a week ahead of schedule.

I shot the following photo from one of the Hayden Ferry Towers today looking down on a familiar but much anticipated site.

According to the East Valley Tribune, Tempe will formally reopen the lake during a 6 a.m. Tuesday ceremony at the marina.

Earlier reports told us that roughly 977 million gallons of water would be used to fill Tempe Town Lake back to normal. The water will come from Tempe’s share of Roosevelt Lake’s increased capacity. The only cost to refill the lake is said to be $50,000 to Salt River Project get the water to Town Lake.

Complete updates about the lake and the dam can be found on the cities web site at http://www.tempe.gov/lake/.

Below is some video of the lake shortly after the dam burst. I am sure that many people in Tempe and the surrounding areas are glad to see things back to normal.

Tempe Modern Streetcar – Asking Some Questions is a post from: Rail Life

Last time we talked about the Tempe Modern Streetcar as part of the Tempe South High Capacity Transit Study, the proposed “loop” around Mill Avenue was mentioned along with a few thoughts on how it might work. Last night another public meeting was held with METRO, along with people from the cities of Tempe and Chandler, to discuss the Tempe South study. The meeting was interesting, even though it was basically the same information as the one in September. It was planned to be the same – they are just making sure people have an opportunity to learn, discuss and comment about the project.

While the Tempe meeting was certainly more vocal, the meeting last night in Chandler was a great opportunity for people to get questions answered about the process. Most people are not aware of the what, where, why and when of this project, so it is good that they allow people to electronically add comments to METRO on their web site.

So, let’s look at some of those questions.

WHAT: Modern Streetcar – An electric powered vehicle very similar to but smaller than our light rail cars. While a modern streetcar does run on tracks, they typically operate within lanes of traffic and not in their own lane like a light rail car. Many people think of a small trolley when they hear streetcar, but these are just smaller vehicles that make more frequent stops. Because they are so similar to light rail cars which run on a fixed track, the modern streetcar is also considered to be a catalyst for economic development in an area. The projected cost estimate for this 2.6 mile modern streetcar project is $163 million, which will be paid for using regional funds, prop 400 tax revenue, and federal grant money. Even though Tempe has been forced to make cuts to some city programs in this current economy, the funds allocated for this project can not be moved to other things. That might be bureaucracy at it’s finest, but them’s the breaks. While the City of Tempe doesn’t have to foot the entire cost of construction, they will be required to pay operational and maintenance costs in the $3.1 million range.

View Tempe Modern Streetcar Map – Stretching the Mill Avenue District in a larger map

WHERE: The proposed Mill Avenue Loop will run from Rio Salado to University on the North and South and between Ash Avenue and Mill on the East and West. The entire extension will be between Rio Salado and Southern Avenue. There has been some talk of having a “stub” at one or both of the Rio Salado turning points to be able to connect future extensions along Rio Salado easier. Phase two involves plans for the Modern Streetcar to go East on Southern to Rural and then possibly connect to a Rapid Bus route where other options still appear to be up in the air. Within the Mill Avenue Loop corridor, there has been interest in further developing Ash Avenue as well as properties / land inside of the loop. I have heard talk of an RFP to make changes in this area. Hopefully, we will learn more about that in the near future.

WHY: METRO CEO Steve Banta spoke at the meeting last night and mentioned a desire for a cohesive transportation system for the region. While the Phoenix light rail system makes most of the headlines around here, the connections to bus and eventually Modern Streetcar and High Speed Rail are constantly being evaluated. As far as the loop is concerned, the ability to shut down Mill Avenue during large events is looked at as a benefit to the loop. Any time I hear METRO speak about the system, the economic development opportunities seem to be a large focus. One of METRO’s slides showed that “for every $1 invested in rail transit, you can expect $1.30 in return in other community benefits.” Each of the extensions and all of the transportation modes are designed to work together in the region. Said Steve Banta, “we will not be successful if we don’t have the end user in mind.”

When: If the Tempe South extension makes it past the Tempe City Council on October 21st, it will then run through another process. ( I think MAG votes, after that it goes to the FTA ? ) If all goes as planned, we could see streetcars on Mill Avenue in 2016. See METRO’s Tempe South update on their site.

Many questions remain about the process, the possibility of changes to bus routes, connection with and to light rail, costs, station locations, car design, neighborhood impacts, and more. I bet we will find some time in the future to discuss…