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, […]
Tempe Chamber to hear from Kimber Lanning
It’s no secret that I am a big fan of Local First Arizona. Heck, it’s really no big secret that I am a fan of the Tempe Chamber of Commerce. If you are interested in our community, I hope you will take time to join me in attending this week’s Tempe Chamber of Commerce “Hot […]
Rail Life “Flickr Pic” of the week – Happy Birthday Tempe Town Lake
For many, it is hard to believe Tempe Town Lake is ten years old. For others, it feels like it has been here “forever.” The lake is a big part of Tempe and is a major draw for residents and tourists alike. This past weekend, many rode the light rail to the Tempe Town Lake […]
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 […]
Rail Life “Flickr Pic” of the week – Full Speed Ahead!
The Rail Life “pic of the week” took a little vacation for a while ( mainly because some spineless jerk hijacked the Rail Life Flickr account ), but I have decided to begin again. I thought this cool picture was a great place to start with it’s “full speed ahead” feel to it. While many […]