One year ago, METRO light rail arrived in the valley amid much fan fare, speculation, criticism, joy, fear and excitement. This past year has been mostly good news for light rail, but challenges have been many and will continue to face a new METRO CEO. Metro celebrated their birthday about a week early by working […]
Metro light rail ridership numbers – November 09’
METRO just published year to date and monthly light rail ridership numbers showing total weekly boardings of 40,211 for this past month which is the second highest average weekday number of the year. Total boardings for November of 2009 came in at 1,003,503. METRO sounds pretty happy with the million plus number. A breakdown from […]
Changes Coming to Tempe Transit System
We often talk about the early success of our light rail system and how it appears to be changing the way many people look at transportation in Arizona. One interesting topic that comes up regularly is the demographics of Phoenix light rail riders. According to a recent survey, 26 percent of AZ light rail riders […]
It’s official – METRO hires new CEO, Steve Banta
We talked about Metro’s new CEO Steve Banta last week but now, it’s official: PHOENIX — An employment contract has been finalized between METRO light rail and its new CEO Steve Banta. Banta is expected to start work on January 20, 2010. On Wednesday, the METRO Board ratified the negotiated employment contract and submitted it […]
Final ride for Metro CEO Rick Simonetta
Metro light rail outgoing CEO Rick Simonetta was honored this past week with a “farewell” ride and reception at the Phoenix Art Museum. The shindig was made possible by a lot of “transportation geeks” pulling out all the stops to thank Rick for his hard work on our light rail system. Simonetta was honored by […]
More light rail anniversary celebration information
PHOENIX — Take a trip on light rail this Saturday for your chance to receive a “golden” transit pass, discover new and interesting retailers offering discounts to transit riders and be generally rewarded for your support of METRO in its first year. Here’s the inside scoop: GOLDEN PASS PROMOTION Ala Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, […]
METRO chooses new CEO
Today, METRO announced the appointment of it’s new CEO answering many of the questions surrounding Rick Simonetta’s impending retirement from his position. The new CEO will be Stephen Banta, who currently manages Portland’s TriMet system. Rail Life would like to extend a warm welcome to Mr. Banta. Today’s press release is as follows… METRO Board […]
METRO to celebrate first anniversary
The Metro Golden Pass Promotion to celebrate the one year anniversary of light rail is here! Make METRO light rail a part of your holiday plans on Saturday, December 19. Enjoy deals, convenient access to a variety of events and a chance to win a Suns VIP experience! Ala Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, METRO […]
Taking Light Rail to Sky Harbor Airport – A real life example:
Since I began writing this blog, I have met a LOT of really cool people. Wayne Turner is one of those guys. Recently, we were talking about taking the light rail to Sky Harbor Airport and about the new Sky Train system that is coming. As a business traveler and downtown resident, Wayne will get […]
Explore light rail with these special and holiday events
For immediate release November 25, 2009 PHOENIX — With guests in town and time away from the daily grind this holiday season, consider METRO light rail as your connection to the Valley’s best special events and destinations. METRO has created an event listing featuring special and holiday-themed events taking place at venues located along the […]