Valley Metro Service And Fare Changes Coming Soon

New press release from Valley Metro is out… It took a little longer than some expected it to but, light rail fares are going up. Check it out.

PHOENIX, AZ (Jan.16, 2013) – The newest edition of the Valley Metro Transit Book announces changes to service that begin Monday, January 28. Service changes for the regional transit system occur twice each year: January and July. Upcoming changes to service include:

• New 19th Avenue Connector travels between Bethany Home Road and Dunlap Avenue to help reduce congestion during light rail construction
• Route 1 on Washington/Jefferson will be re-routed to enter the new Sky Train Transit Center at 44th Street and Washington
• Route 96 on Dobson will add one morning and two afternoon trips to serve the Snedigar Sports Complex
• Route 112 on Country Club/Arizona Avenue extends south to Pecos Road
• Route 251 on 51st Avenue extends south to Pecos Road to serve the Komatke Heath Center
• Route 541-Chandler Express will be re-routed to serve the West Mesa Park-and-Ride
• Express Route 542-Chandler Express will add one weekday roundtrip

There will be no changes to light rail service. Click here for more information.

In addition, Valley Metro wants passengers to be prepared for a fare increase effective Friday, March 1. New fares take effect on Valley Metro transit services including bus and light rail. The current 1-Ride fare will increase by $.25 on the local bus/LINK/light rail and $.50 on Express/RAPID. The new fare structure allows Express/RAPID riders to more equitably share in the cost of transit operations. A public involvement program was conducted last fall to obtain feedback from passengers about the proposed increase.

“We recognize that a fare increase can be challenging for our customers,” said Valley Metro CEO Steve Banta.  “However, what we heard loud and clear during public outreach was a value for our existing service.  This increase will maintain the service on the street today.” The last fare increase for Valley Metro occurred in July 2009.

The change in fares includes the addition of a more affordable 15-day pass, which gives frequent transit users the convenient option of purchasing a multi-day pass that is less costly than the 31-day pass. Another change effective March 1 is the elimination of the 3-day pass, which will no longer be available due to lack of use. Click here for fare change details.

For a complete list of service changes and schedule adjustments, go online at ValleyMetro.org. Passengers can also call Customer Service at 602.253.5000 for specific route information. Transit Books are available at city hall offices, libraries, transit centers and on buses.