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You are here: Home / Mesa Light Rail / Metro Light Rail Frequently Asked Questions

Metro Light Rail Frequently Asked Questions

May 19, 2009 by Nick Bastian Leave a Comment

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.

  • Bicycle symbols on the train windows show you the doors nearest the bicycle rack.
  • Racks are first-come, first-served. If the bicycle rack on the train is full or you are unable to load your bicycle into the rack, you may stand with your bicycle as long as you do not block the aisle or doorway.
  • If the train is crowded, you may be required to wait for a less-crowded train before you can board with your bike. You are responsible for loading and unloading your bicycle. For safety reasons, the operator cannot leave the cabin to assist you.

    An example of how to load your bike on a light rail car <– is there.

  • 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.

    Filed Under: Mesa Light Rail, Park and Ride, Phoenix Light Rail, Tempe Light Rail

    About Nick Bastian

    Nick Bastian is a 29 year veteran of the real estate industry and can be reached at 602-803-6425. You'll also find him sharing real estate info on his web site and hanging out onTwitter.
    Family man, lover of life, maker of friends. A bit of a geek, long time Tempe real estate guy just havin' some fun. What's your story?

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